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Malinin Struggles; Team USA Faces Pressure at Olympics

2/16/2026

32 6 Full Breakdown

Center

Malinin's Olympic Setback

Ilia Malinin finished eighth in the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics men's free skate after two falls.
Known as the “Quad God,” he was viewed as a favorite but faltered under pressure.
Amber Glenn, a Team USA skater, said she received threats after a press conference and paused social media.
The U.S. women's team, including Glenn, Alysa Liu, and Isabeau Levito, aims for gold.

Right

Malinin's Olympic Surprise

Ilia Malinin finished eighth at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics after a strong short program, shocking viewers.
Mikhail Shaidorov from Kazakhstan won the gold, making history for his country.
Maxim Naumov finished 20th in his Olympic debut while honoring his late parents, former world champions.
Tomas Llorenc-Guarino Sabate from Spain brought humor with a Minions-themed routine.

History

Historical Context

The 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid saw the U.S. hockey team, composed mainly of amateur players, achieve a stunning 4-3 victory over the Soviet Union, the four-time defending champions. This "Miracle on Ice" on February 22 ignited national pride amid Cold War tensions. The U.S. team went on to win gold, highlighting the intense pressure athletes face, a theme echoed in the experiences of competitors like Ilia Malinin.

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Malinin's Olympic Setback

Ilia Malinin finished eighth in the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics men's free skate after two falls.
Known as the “Quad God,” he was viewed as a favorite but faltered under pressure.
Amber Glenn, a Team USA skater, said she received threats after a press conference and paused social media.
The U.S. women's team, including Glenn, Alysa Liu, and Isabeau Levito, aims for gold.

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