Ilia Malinin hints at intense Olympic pressure days after unexpected result

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on FoxNews.com.

Team USA figure skating star Ilia Malinin offered a reminder to critics of Olympic athletes participating in the Milan Cortina Games on Monday.

Malinin finished in eighth place in the men’s singles competition on Friday, following two falls in what was expected to be his event to lose. In a post on his Instagram, Malinin raised awareness about the mental toll of elite competition.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Ilia Malinin of the United States competes during the men's free skate program in figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

"On the world’s biggest stage, those who appear the strongest may still be fighting invisible battles on the inside," he wrote in the post. "Even your happiest memories can end up tainted by the noise. Vile online hatred attacks the mind and fear lures it into the darkness, no matter how hard you try to stay sane through the endless insurmountable pressure.

"It all builds up as these moments flash before your eyes, resulting in an inevitable crash. This is that version of the story."

Malinin teased his upcoming performance in the traditional exhibition gala that wraps the Olympic figure skating program. The event will take place on Feb. 21.

Ilia Malinin of the United States reacts after competing while Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan is seen on left while waiting for scores during the men's free skate program in figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

TEAM USA MEN'S HOCKEY GOES UNDEFEATED IN GROUP C, EARNS BYE INTO NEXT OLYMPIC ROUND AFTER WIN