“HE DIDN’T HAVE TO DO THAT — BUT HE DID.” When the Olympics announced a prestigious post-Games honor for Ilia Malinin, fans erupted: no one deserved it more. After a pressure-cooker season and a performance that electrified the world, Malinin had already cemented his legacy on the ice. But it was what happened after the medals were awarded that made him unforgettable. As gold medalist Mikhail Shaidorov stood in the spotlight, Malinin didn’t retreat into disappointment. He stepped forward — congratulating him with a grin, a handshake that turned into an embrace, and words only they could hear. No cameras demanded it. No script required it. In a Games defined by rivalry and razor-thin margins, that moment of respect cut deepest. The honor recognizes brilliance. But that gesture? That’s character. And sometimes, that’s the victory people remember most.

The Winter Olympics in Milan brought every possible emotion for American figure skater Ilia Malinin, who was easily one of the most talked-about athletes at the Games.

While he captured gold in the team event — setting the tone for what many expected to be a clean sweep — Malinin faced adversity in the individual free skate final. Entering as a heavy favorite, he fell twice during his program and ultimately finished eighth, falling short of the podium.

It was unfamiliar territory for the 21-year-old. But rather than retreat in disappointment, Malinin showed true class and sportsmanship, becoming the first skater to congratulate gold medalist Mikhail Shaidorov after the event concluded.

In recognition of that moment, the Olympic Games announced Thursday that Malinin has been nominated for the 2026 Fair Play Awards, which honor acts of sportsmanship, integrity and solidarity during competition.

“After a heartbreaking drop from 1st to 8th place, Ilia Malinin didn’t retreat. He immediately and genuinely celebrated gold medalist Mikhail Shaidorov, proving that true champions are defined not by their rank, but by their ability to honor the excellence of others,” the Olympics wrote.

Other nominees include fellow U.S. figure skater Amber Glenn, the Italian and U.S. women’s curling teams, Canada’s women’s ice hockey team, Czech curler Julie Zelingrova, and Japanese figure skater Yuma Kagiyama.

Fans reacted to the news with overwhelming praise for how Ilia Malinin handled himself in defeat.

“Easy vote for Ilia — no one more deserving,” one fan wrote.

Another added, “Just voted. He so deserves it.”

“Already voted,” a third person commented.

“Sending this to my family and friends, lmao,” another fan wrote.