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How Ilia Malinin and Mikaela Shiffrin fared against the ‘Olympic Dragon’

By Cyrus Moulton February 20, 2026

Ilia Malinin fell twice during his free skate and finished eighth

American Figure skater Ilia Malinin and ski racer Mikaela Shiffrin both faced the mental stress of the so-called “Olympic Dragon” this year in Milan Cortina.

Malinin, the “Quad God,” got burned. Shiffrin, widely regarded as the greatest slalom racer in history, earned her first Olympic gold medal in the event in 12 years.

Northeastern University sports experts said the athletes’ different results demonstrate how the mental pressure of the Olympic Games can cut both ways.

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