In the high-stakes world of Olympic figure skating, where every jump, spin, and edge is measured against perfection, moments of pure, unfiltered humanity stand out like beacons. At the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, one such moment arrived not on the ice, but in the stands. As Alysa Liu delivered the performance of her life to claim the women’s singles gold medal—ending a 24-year drought for American women in the event—cameras captured U.S. teammate Ilia Malinin in a display of genuine, unrestrained celebration that has since gone viral and been hailed as one of the most wholesome highlights of the Games.
Liu’s journey to the podium was nothing short of triumphant. The 20-year-old reigning world champion entered the women’s event as a strong contender but faced immense pressure. After placing third in the short program, she unleashed a flawless free skate on February 19, 2026, scoring a career-best 226.79 overall to surge to the top of the leaderboard. Her routine was marked by effortless technical mastery—clean quads, soaring jumps, and radiant expression—combined with a joyful, carefree energy that commentators described as “lightning in a bottle.” It was a comeback performance that not only secured her second gold of the Games (following Team USA’s team event victory) but also etched her name in history as the first U.S. woman to win individual Olympic figure skating gold since Sarah Hughes in 2002.
While the arena erupted and Liu took her bows with a flick of her ponytail and a beaming smile, the broadcast cut to the stands where Malinin—fresh off his own rollercoaster Olympic experience—was already on his feet. The “Quad God,” who had entered the Games as the heavy favorite in men’s singles after dominating the quad-jumping landscape, had endured a disappointing individual campaign. Plagued by falls and technical errors in his free skate, he finished eighth overall, a result that left him visibly emotional and reflective in post-competition interviews. Yet there he was, supporting his teammates throughout the women’s competition, attending the short program and then the decisive free skate.
The clip shows Malinin rising before Liu’s final note faded, clapping furiously, shouting encouragement, and grinning ear-to-ear as her scores flashed. He didn’t play it cool or maintain composure for the cameras—he celebrated like a true fan witnessing greatness. Shouts of “Let’s go, Alysa!” and “That’s how you do it!” cut through the crowd noise, his voice raw with pride and excitement. As the gold medal confirmation hit, his eyes widened, hands raised in triumph, embodying pure admiration without a hint of ego or rivalry.
In a sport often criticized for its intensity, cutthroat competition, and occasional drama, Malinin’s reaction felt refreshingly authentic. Figure skating demands solitary focus under blinding lights, yet here was a top athlete prioritizing camaraderie over personal spotlight. The two had already shared gold in the team event earlier in the Games, where Malinin’s high-scoring contribution helped Team USA edge Japan by a single point. That shared success likely deepened their bond, but Malinin’s presence extended beyond obligation—he stayed for the pairs, the women’s short, and the free skate, cheering for Amber Glenn (fifth overall) and Isabeau Levito (12th) as well.
Social media exploded with the moment. Clips from NBC’s broadcast and TikTok edits racked up millions of views, with captions like “Ilia Malinin, just like everyone else, loved Alysa’s free skate” and “Golden support! 🥇” from official Olympic accounts. Fans called it “one of the most wholesome reactions of the entire Olympics,” praising the display of sportsmanship in a high-pressure environment. Many noted the contrast to Malinin’s own setbacks: after his eighth-place finish, he spoke openly about the weight of expectations, past trauma resurfacing, and even ice conditions playing a role. His vulnerability earned widespread respect, and seeing him channel that energy into celebrating a teammate amplified the positivity.
Liu’s gold carried extra weight. As a UCLA student and daughter of a single father who immigrated from China, her story resonated deeply—years of dedication culminating in historic achievement. Malinin, born in Russia to skating parents and representing the U.S. since 2022, has become a fan favorite for his groundbreaking quads and approachable personality. Their mutual support highlighted the tight-knit nature of Team USA figure skating, often self-dubbed the “Blade Angels” among fans.
The moment also underscored broader themes at these Games. Amid Malinin’s individual disappointment—he admitted nerves and pressure overwhelmed him—his resilience shone through in post-event reflections and continued team spirit. He even hinted at personal touches for the upcoming gala exhibition, like a special program to close his Olympic chapter. Liu, meanwhile, embraced the joy of her win, greeting family and friends in emotional hugs and teasing a new gala routine.
As the 2026 Winter Olympics wind down, with the figure skating gala set to feature both stars one last time, Ilia Malinin’s reaction to Alysa Liu’s gold remains a standout. In a fortnight defined by triumphs, heartbreaks, and everything in between, it reminded everyone why sports endure: because beneath the scores and medals, it’s about human connection, shared dreams, and celebrating others’ success as fiercely as your own. That’s how you do it—pure, unscripted, and utterly inspiring.
