Ilia Malinin, the renowned figure skater often dubbed the “Quad God,” has shared his reflections on a challenging yet rewarding season that included both the 2026 Winter Olympics and the World Figure Skating Championships. Following a tumultuous year, Malinin spoke to PEOPLE about the emotional journey he faced, the adjustments he made, and his plans for the off-season.
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The 21-year-old athlete experienced a rollercoaster of events this year. While Malinin celebrated significant victories including a gold medal with the Team USA and a third consecutive world title in March, he also grappled with disappointment, notably an eighth-place individual finish at the Milan Cortina Games. In light of this, he expressed pride in completing what he described as “a long, stressful season, with a lot of ups and downs.”
Malinin candidly shared how his personal life has contributed to his mental health and overall well-being during this demanding period. Recently adopting two cats, named Mysti and Miu Miu, he remarked that they have provided him with vital emotional support. “I genuinely feel like they’re my therapy now,” he said. Their presence has offered him comfort during moments of stress, allowing him to unwind and refresh.
Reflecting on his Olympic experience, Malinin acknowledged the weight of mental pressure he faced, particularly during his free skate performance at the Games. He noted that the atmosphere felt overwhelmingly intense, which contributed to his performance struggles. In contrast, he described his subsequent performance at the World Championships as distinctly more liberating. “It wasn’t so much high stake, high pressure,” he explained, crediting a shift in mindset for his improved performance.
As the season progressed, Malinin adopted a new mental strategy focused on personal enjoyment rather than external expectations. “Just not worrying about people’s expectations or the pressure that people put on you,” he stated, emphasising the importance of skating for himself. This refreshing approach allowed him to reconnect with the joy of his sport, ultimately leading to a triumphant return to the podium.
Despite the satisfaction that comes with winning medals, Malinin remarked on the lessons he learned throughout the season. “It felt really relieving — but at the same time, it taught me that sometimes medals aren’t everything,” he reflected, indicating a deeper understanding of what success means to him. This insight often comes with experience, and Malinin appears to be embracing it rather well.
With the competitive season winding down, Malinin is looking forward to some well-deserved downtime. He mentioned having several shows to perform in the coming months, but his priority upon concluding these engagements is to return home and spend time with his beloved cats. “That’s my favorite, favorite, favorite thing to do,” he said, underscoring the significance of his feline companions during this period of rest.
As Malinin steps away from the competitive limelight, he carries with him the experiences and lessons learned over an eventful year. With renewed focus on his mental health and a commitment to enjoying the sport he loves, Ilia Malinin is poised for whatever challenges the future may hold. Fans and fellow athletes alike will surely be eager to see how he evolves, both on and off the ice.