Ilia Malinin Awarded Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Fair Play Award

U.S. Figure skater Ilia Malinin has been honored with the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Fair Play Award for his display of sportsmanship following the men’s singles competition. The award, presented by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in collaboration with the International Fair Play Committee (CIFP), recognizes acts of integrity and solidarity during the Games. Source

A Gesture of Respect After a Disappointing Skate

Despite dropping from first to eighth place after the free skate, Malinin immediately embraced gold medalist Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan. He expressed his admiration for Shaidorov’s performance and acknowledged the challenges the skater had faced throughout the season. Source

“I went up to him, and I congratulated him, because watching him skate, I watched him in the locker room and just so proud of him,” Malinin said. “I heard that he had not a good season. All of us were there to support each other, be there for each other. That’s what’s so special about the sport as well, is everyone has each other’s support. I feel like we’re all a big, huge figure skating family.” Source

A Tradition of Sportsmanship

The Fair Play Award has a rich history, originating with Italian bobsledder Eugenio Monti at the 1964 Innsbruck Winter Games. Monti famously provided a replacement bolt to British rivals Tony Nash and Robin Dixon after their sled was damaged, enabling them to win gold. Source

“I am deeply humbled to receive this honor, especially given the incredible legacy of Eugenio Monti here in Italy,” Malinin stated. “Congratulating Mikhail wasn’t about the results; it was about the shared journey we take as athletes. Knowing that fans worldwide connected with that moment means more to me than any medal.” Source

Other Nominees Recognized for Fair Play

Malinin’s win followed a public voting process after an international group shortlisted six finalists. Other nominees included: Source

• Amber Glenn (USA) – Figure skating: Shielding Kaori Sakamoto from intrusive cameras.
• Julie Zelingrova (CZE) – Mixed doubles curling: Self-reporting a rule violation.
• The Italian and American women’s curling teams: Demonstrating honesty during a dispute.
• The Canadian women’s hockey team: Agreeing to postpone a match due to a norovirus outbreak.
• Yuma Kagiyama (JPN) – Figure skating: Celebrating Shun Sato’s achievement.

Record Fan Engagement

The 2026 Fair Play Award saw unprecedented fan engagement, with a record number of votes cast, surpassing even the levels seen during the Paris 2024 Games. Source Sunil Sabharwal, President of the International Fair Play Committee (CIFP), emphasized the importance of sportsmanship and the concept of “victory beyond the medal.” Source