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By Cole Sullivan
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Ilia Malinin wrapped up the biggest two-week stretch of his life at the end of February when he concluded his time at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The 21-year-old American figure skater captured a gold medal in the team event but ultimately faced some unexpected disappointment in the men’s free skate final — an individual event — despite entering as the heavy favorite.
Malinin did not medal and finished in eighth place, but what stood out afterward was his humility. While he was clearly upset with himself, that didn’t stop him from being the first person to congratulate gold medal winner Mikhail Shaidorov.
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“Congratulating Mikhail wasn’t about the results,” Malinin told the International Olympic Committee. “It was about the shared journey we take as athletes. Knowing fans worldwide are connected with that moment means more to me than any medal.”
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That interaction made him one of the finalists for the Fair Play Award, which recognizes athletes who demonstrate kindness and sportsmanship during the Games.
Now, weeks after the Olympics and returning home to the United States — where he was greeted by the cats he spoke about on several occasions — Malinin has officially been named the recipient of the Milano Cortina 2026 Fair Play Award.
“I am deeply humbled to receive this honor,” Malinin said, “especially given the incredible legacy of Eugenio Monti here in Italy.”
Malinin was up against five other finalists for the award, but with the winner determined by a fan vote, it’s not much of a surprise that he ended up being the recipient given the size of his fanbase in the world of figure skating.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry also released a statement on Malinin receiving the honor and what the award represents for the Olympic Games.
“Fair play is the heartbeat of the Olympic Movement,” Coventry said. “Ilia’s actions reminded us all that excellence is not just measured by a podium finish, but by the respect and solidarity we show our competitors in our most difficult moments. The unprecedented fan participation in this award is a testament to the success of the 2026 Winter Olympicsand the universal appeal of the Olympic values.”
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