2026 Winter Olympics: Reflecting on Milan and Looking Ahead
The recent exhibition gala in Milan wasn’t just a celebratory wrap-up of the figure skating program; it was a powerful testament to the resilience, artistry, and evolving narratives within the sport. As the world looks forward to the 2026 Winter Olympics, the performances in Milan offered a glimpse into the potential stars and compelling stories that will define the next chapter.
American Skaters Shine – and Overcome – in Milan
Alysa Liu and Ilia Malinin were among the more than 40 Olympic figure skaters who graced the ice, each performance carrying the weight of recent triumphs and, in some cases, the sting of missed opportunities. For Liu, the gala was a poignant return to Olympic ice, a chance to savor the venue where she previously secured two gold medals. Her remarkable comeback story, having stepped away from the sport after burnout following the 2022 Beijing Games, culminated in team and individual gold, making her performance particularly resonant.
Malinin’s performance, however, was arguably even more compelling. Having entered the men’s competition as a heavy favorite – fueled by a strong short program and the US team’s gold medal win – he faltered in his free skate, failing to reach the podium. He chose to express this struggle through his routine, set to NF’s “Fear,” a raw exploration of mental health and the pressures of expectation.
Dressed in casual attire, Malinin’s choreography powerfully depicted the isolating experience of public scrutiny. He mimicked scrolling through a phone, flinching from imaginary flashbulbs, and shielding himself from perceived criticism. Yet, amidst this portrayal of vulnerability, he showcased his extraordinary talent, landing a quadruple jump and his signature backflip – a move that ignited the crowd with both awe and empathy. The routine culminated in a symbolic act of silencing the noise, putting on headphones to a moment of quiet.
Global Stars and a Celebration of the Sport
The gala wasn’t solely focused on American skaters. Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov, the men’s gold medalist, brought a lighthearted energy to the ice with a playful routine dressed as Kung-Fu Panda. Former Italian figure skater Carolina Kostner opened the event with a duet featuring a 3D projection, beautifully illustrating the athlete’s journey from their first steps to achieving peak performance.
Amber Glenn, a key member of the US team’s gold-winning squad, delivered a moving performance to Lady Gaga’s “That’s Life,” a fitting anthem for the three-time national champion who overcame a costly mistake in her short program to deliver a stunning free skate.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Winter Olympics
The Milan exhibition gala served as a powerful reminder of the emotional depth and athletic prowess that define figure skating. As we anticipate the 2026 Winter Olympics, the stories unfolding now – of comebacks, resilience, and the struggle to manage pressure – will undoubtedly shape the narratives of the next Olympic cycle. The performances in Milan weren’t just about celebrating past achievements; they were about building momentum and inspiring the next generation of skaters. For more information on the Olympic movement, visit the official Olympic website.
