Figure skating legends and The Traitors season 4 stars Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir took to social media to send support and strength to Team USA's star figure skaterIlia Malininafter several uncharacteristic flubs and two falls took away the 21-year-old "Quad God's" shot at a medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Feb. 14.
"The grace, honesty and sportsmanship you showed in a moment of heartbreak reveals you are not only an elite athlete but a gracious human being," wrote Lipinski, 43, in her heartfelt message on Instagram shortly after the stunning event. "I can’t wait to watch you rise."
For his part, 41-year-old Weir, Lipinski's longtime bestie, called Malinin "One in a million."
"You showed true sportsmanship and grace," he added. "I can’t wait to see where you’ll take us next."
www.youtube.com/shorts/rN9nj2X2_ZA
The sportsmanship they're referring to came in the form of support for his fellow competitors in the face of massive personal devastation. Though he didn't end up on the podium and finished in eight place with a score of 264.49 (despite many expecting him to take home gold), Malinin could be seen sweetly embracing and congratulating Mikhail Shaidorov, the Kazakh figure skater who took home the gold for the men's singles event.
Olympic sportsmanship at its finest. ? #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/ZahQr7pnOo
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 13, 2026Malinin was very much the favorite heading into the games, and was even expected to attempt the elusive quadruple Axel. Though he's accomplished the feat before, it has never been done in the Olympics. Unfortunately, he turned the quadruple in his routine to a single amid several mistakes and two actual falls. It's the first time he's lost since 2023.
Lipinski, who was commentating the event, called the gaffes "shocking," and Malinin himself seemed stunned. “I can’t process what just happened,” he told NBC’s Andrea Joyce. “I blew it.” When asked what happened, he said it was "definitely mental."
“This is probably the worst meltdown in figure skating history, certainly Olympic history, by a favorite,” sports analyst Christine Brennan told CNN, calling the loss “as big an upset in sports as we’ve probably ever seen.”
Despite that, fans have rallied around Malinin. "As Jim McKay once said 'the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.' We will see him again in 4 years," said one supporter in Weir's comments, while another added, "It's just a step and experience. It hurts but it will only make him stronger. @ilia_quadg0d_malinin we love you and proud of you!"
Hence then, the article about tara lipinski and johnny weir share powerful messages for ilia malinin after devastating falls was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir Share Powerful Messages for Ilia Malinin After Devastating Falls )
Also on site :
- Sheikh Sabri: Israeli enemy seeks to change reality of al-Aqsa Mosque as prelude to seizing control of it
- At 61, this major insurance CEO works out 6 days a week with his 23-year-old son—he picks his brain for a Gen Z perspective while lifting weights
- Not all degrees are a waste of time: MBA graduates from Harvard, MIT, and Wharton are making over $245,000 just three years after graduating