Twenty-one year old American Olympic skater Ilia Malinin failed to win the gold medal in figure skating after falling in his routine. It was a crushing blow to the young skater of Russian heritage who deftly combines artistry with a savage athleticism. He was heavily favored to win, and his loss on that stage would’ve destroyed most others.
But Ilia refused to surrender to the pain. Instead, he turned that pain into pure art.
Ilia returned to the ice at the end of the competition for an exhibition skate so raw, emotional, and breathlessly magical that it felt less like a routine and more like a revolution.
Just watch this:
There’s something in the heart of Men that drives them forward regardless of the circumstances. It’s a mixture of aggression, pride, vision, and defiance that keeps them from giving up.
Courageous Ilia went out with a fireworks display for the ages. He introduced a decidedly masculine element to a sport that’s typically a joke. I was mesmerized when I saw it. I’m now a fan of this visionary new skater and the heart he showed on the world’s biggest stage.
