Ilia Malinin Wears $1,300 Balmain Jeans for His Final Olympic Backflip
Ilia Malinin Makes Fashion Statement in Final Olympic Performance
Ilia Malinin, affectionately known as the "Quad God," left a memorable impression during his concluding skate at the 2026 Winter Olympics’ Figure Skating Exhibition Gala. On Saturday, the 21-year-old appeared in a bold outfit that appeared more suited for streetwear than the ice.
Malinin opted for trompe l’oeil black-and-white jeans paired with a gray sweatshirt, effectively blending high fashion with athletic performance. The outfit featured Balmain jeans, valued at $1,290, and a dark gray hoodie from NF, which reads "Fear" in upside-down letters.
His routine, set to NF’s song "Fear," captured the emotional toll that comes with competing at such a high level, reflecting on his mental health challenges and the pressures he feels from fans and critics alike.
Malinin had shared his excitement prior to the gala, stating, "I have something pretty special planned. I hope I can bring lots of emotion and lots of energy to the rink."
During his performance, he showcased his technical prowess by executing two backflips and emphasized the unique pressure of Olympic competition. Malinin noted, “It’s not like any other competition,” adding that the overwhelming nerves often left him feeling out of control.
Despite his impressive showing, Malinin did not attempt a quadruple axel, a maneuver tied to his "Quad God" moniker. Nevertheless, his performance was punctuated by flair and creativity, earning him a gold medal for the U.S. Figure Skating team’s efforts throughout the Olympics.
However, Malinin faced disappointment in the men’s singles event, where he failed to medal despite being a strong contender. Reflecting on the challenges of the competition, he remarked on how the psychological aspects significantly influenced his performance.
In the end, Malinin’s high-fashion approach and emotionally charged performance marked a notable conclusion to his Olympic journey, leaving a strong impression on the audience.
