Ilia Malinin performed a cathartic routine to NF's 'Fear' at the Olympic figure skating gala on Saturday, replacing disappointing memories with a powerful display. The 21-year-old American, who failed to medal in the men's individual event despite being favourite, used the exhibition to address the mental health struggles he faced under immense pressure.
Dressed in a grey hoodie and frayed jeans, Malinin mimed scrolling through his phone, flinching at imaginary flashbulbs and social media criticism. He executed a quadruple jump and his trademark backflip with a one-footed landing, drawing a roaring ovation from the crowd. The routine ended with him putting on headphones to silence.
Alysa Liu, who completed a remarkable comeback to win team and individual gold, performed a joyful routine to 'Stateside' by Zara Larsson and PinkPantheress. The 20-year-old Californian had walked away from skating after the 2022 Beijing Games due to burnout.
The gala featured over 40 Olympic skaters, including gold medalist Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan, who performed as Kung-Fu Panda. Former Italian skater Carolina Kostner opened with a duet using a 3D projection, and Amber Glenn performed to Lady Gaga's 'That's Life', reflecting her bounce-back from a short program error.
