MILAN, Italy — Ilia Malinin, the 19-year-traditional American figure skater who captivated the world with his historic quad axel, closed out his Olympic debut at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games not with the pressure of competition, but with the freedom of celebration. Following a gold medal performance, Malinin took to the ice Saturday night for the traditional exhibition gala, a moment he described as a chance to replace “disappointing memories with much better ones,” according to reporting from The Guardian.
The gala, held inside the Milano Ice Skating Arena, featured over 40 skaters from the Games, including fellow American gold medalist Alysa Liu. Liu, who also secured a gold medal, marked the end of her performance with a victory lap, savoring her time on the Olympic ice. The event wasn’t just about showcasing individual talent; it was a celebration of the entire sport, a sentiment echoed by organizers and participants alike. Team USA’s overall performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics was also historic, setting a new record with 11 gold medals, surpassing the previous high of 10 from the 2002 Salt Lake City Games, as reported by NBC New York.
A Cathartic Performance for Malinin
For Malinin, the exhibition gala represented a significant emotional turning point. He performed to the song “Fear,” a choice that resonated with his journey throughout the competition. The performance was described as “cathartic” by The Guardian, signaling a release of the intense pressure he faced as a favorite to win. The skater’s ability to land the quad axel – a jump no other skater had successfully completed in competition – had placed a considerable spotlight on him throughout the Games.
The gala offered a different atmosphere. “No pressure, no stress. Just fun,” was the prevailing mood, allowing Malinin to express himself without the weight of expectation. This shift in mindset was palpable in his performance, which was described as powerful by NBC Sports, as highlighted in a YouTube clip from the event.
Liu and Glenn Shine Alongside Malinin
Malinin wasn’t the only American skater to impress during the gala. Alysa Liu, fresh off her gold medal win, dazzled the audience with her performance, as noted by People.com. The gala provided a platform for Liu to enjoy the culmination of her hard work and dedication.
Amber Glenn also delivered a standout performance, captivating the audience with her artistry and skill. NBC Olympics reported that Glenn’s performance was “show stopping,” adding to the celebratory atmosphere of the evening. The gala showcased the depth of talent within the U.S. Figure skating team, solidifying their position as a dominant force in the sport.
A Gala Rooted in Tradition and Celebration
The exhibition gala itself is a long-standing tradition at the Winter Olympics, serving as both a closing ceremony for the figure skating program and a tribute to the sport. This year’s edition was broken down into four parts, beginning with a duet performance by former Italian figure skater Carolina Kostner, a bronze medalist at the 2014 Winter Games. Kostner’s performance, featuring a 3D projection, symbolized the journey of athletes from their first steps to achieving their full potential.
The gala’s format aimed to highlight the artistic and emotional aspects of figure skating, moving beyond the technical demands of competition. It was a chance for skaters to connect with the audience on a more personal level, sharing their passion and love for the sport. The event was broadcast live on NBC and Peacock, allowing fans around the world to witness the celebration.
Looking Ahead
As the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Games draw to a close, the performances of skaters like Ilia Malinin, Alysa Liu and Amber Glenn will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of athletes. The success of Team USA, with its record-breaking 11 gold medals, underscores the country’s commitment to winter sports. The focus now shifts to the future, with preparations already underway for the next Winter Olympics. Fans can find more information about the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics on the official NBC Olympics website.
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