Gymnastics icon Simone Biles has met with American figure skater Ilia Malinin to offer support following his dramatic collapse at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Malinin arrived in Italy as the clear favourite for gold but endured a nightmare free skate, falling twice and failing to execute his signature quadruple axel.
The errors caused the 21-year-old to plummet from first place after the short program to finish eighth in the final standings.
The weight of expectation
Visibly distressed following his performance, the skater later posted a cryptic message on social media addressing the burden of high-stakes competition.
“On the world’s biggest stage, those who appear the strongest may still be fighting invisible battles on the inside,” Malinin wrote on Instagram.
“Vile online hatred attacks the mind and fear lures it into the darkness, no matter how hard you try to stay sane through the endless insurmountable pressure.”
He described the experience as moments flashing before his eyes, resulting in an “inevitable crash”.
Biles enters ‘protection mode’
Biles, who was in the stands for the free skate, immediately recognised the signs of an athlete struggling under the immense weight of global expectation.
The 28-year-old experienced her own high-profile difficulties at the Tokyo Games in 2021, where she withdrew from several events due to the ‘twisties’ – a mental block dangerous to gymnasts.
Having successfully returned to win three golds at Paris 2024, the most decorated gymnast in history felt compelled to contact her compatriot immediately.
“I was really worried about how his mental health was going to be,” Biles told Olympics.com.
“When you’re expected to skate a performance of your lifetime and you don’t deliver, I worry how that affects his mental health and how the world is going to view that.”
Biles admitted she had “been through that first hand” and immediately went into “protection mode”.
Sharing lived experiences
The two American stars met in Milan on Tuesday after Biles decided she needed to offer direct reassurance.
She prepared a list of bullet points to send to the ‘Quad God’ to ensure he knew he had support away from the rink.
“It was really heartbreaking,” Biles said.
“Seeing someone and talking to someone that has gone through the same thing and validating that… He’s like, ‘Oh my gosh, yes, this is exactly how I feel. This is how to get over it or process it’.”
The seven-time Olympic gold medallist hopes the intervention helped Malinin navigate the immediate aftermath of his disappointment.
Rebecca Morrison produced a miraculous final stone to secure a stunning victory over the United States and keep Team GB’s curling semi-final hopes alive.
The British skip delivered an incredible shot under immense pressure to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against their American rivals.
Defeat would have likely ended Great Britain’s chances of progressing to the knockout stages of the competition.
A moment of magic on the ice
Trailing as the end approached, the British rink needed something special to overturn the deficit.
Morrison navigated a crowded house with pinpoint precision to land the stone exactly where it was required to steal the win.
Commentators covering the dramatic fixture were left in disbelief at the execution of the delivery.
“How on earth have they done that?”
Semi-final dream remains
The result provides a crucial lifeline for the squad as they look to climb the round-robin standings.
This victory ensures their destiny remains within reach heading into the final fixtures of the group stage.
The team must now maintain this momentum to secure a place in the medal matches.
International Ski and Snowboard Federation president Johan Eliasch admits the decision to invite Russian and Belarusian athletes to the Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics “has not been easy”.
Six competitors from Russia and four from Belarus are set to participate in alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding at the Games, which begin on 6 March.
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) had previously lifted its ban on athletes from the two nations in September.
Legal rulings force federation’s hand
While individual governing bodies, including the FIS, initially refused to lift their own sanctions, a successful appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) overturned that stance.
Consequently, the 10 athletes have been granted bipartite commission invitations to compete in Italy.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Eliasch acknowledged the complexity of the situation.
“It has not been easy. What we’re dealing with here is an issue that is divisive, where people have different feelings depending on where they come from. It’s something that we have to respect.”
The federation chief emphasised the distinction between individuals and state politics.
“Athletes can’t choose where they were born. On the other hand, they can’t be used for PR purposes in their home countries to promote the war.”
“It’s our duty to make sure that athletes are not weaponised for political purposes.”
Ukraine condemns ‘outrageous’ return
The inclusion of these athletes will mark a significant shift, as the Russian flag has not been flown at a Paralympic Games since Sochi 2014.
Previous bans were instated due to the country’s state-sponsored doping programme and subsequently extended following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Ukrainian sports minister Matvii Bidnyi strongly criticised the move earlier on Wednesday.
“The flags of Russia and Belarus have no place at international sporting events that stand for fairness, integrity and respect,” Bidnyi stated on social media.
“These are the flags of regimes that have turned sport into a tool of war, lies and contempt.”
Ukraine has also secured bipartite slots across three sports for the upcoming Games.
Strict vetting processes applied
Bipartite commission invitations are reserved for elite competitors who may have missed qualification opportunities due to “extraordinary circumstances”.
The IPC allocates these slots based on recommendations from international federations such as the FIS.
Eliasch insisted that despite the controversy, the process has adhered to legal requirements.
“It is difficult, and in our case in the end, the courts decided the outcome.”
“Everything has been done by the book. We’ve had strict vetting schemes of the people who do participate to make sure they don’t have any affiliation with the military.”
Sahibzada Farhan hit a sparkling century to guide Pakistan into the T20 World Cup Super 8s with a dominant victory over Namibia.
The 29-year-old opener smashed a 58-ball hundred to set up a massive total of 199-3.
Namibia were never in the chase and crumbled to 97 all out in reply.
The result confirms Pakistan’s progression alongside India from Group A, eliminating both the United States and the Netherlands.
Opener bounces back from India duck
Farhan has enjoyed a productive tournament, having already registered scores of 47 against the Dutch and 73 against the co-hosts.
However, the right-hander arrived at the crease looking to make amends after failing to score in the high-profile clash with India.
He returned to his destructive best here, dominating off the back foot and punishing anything loose through the leg side.
The batter was particularly severe on WP Myburgh, launching the leg-spinner for two massive sixes over cow corner.
He also took 30 runs off just 13 balls from medium-pacer Jack Brassell as the 2009 champions accelerated.
Tariq spins web around Namibia
While Farhan provided the fireworks, he found able support from Shadab Khan, who contributed a brisk 36 from 22 deliveries.
Pakistan’s bowlers then took control, with the associate nation struggling to cope with the turning ball.
Louren Steenkamp offered brief resistance with 23, but the chase never gained momentum.
Mystery spinner Usman Tariq was the standout performer with the ball, claiming impressive figures of 4-16.
His spell included a beautiful googly which completely bamboozled Ruben Trumpelmann to seal a comprehensive win.
Conor McGregor says he has accepted a date and an opponent for his long-awaited UFC return, although the former two-weight champion is yet to receive a formal contract.
The Dubliner has not competed inside the octagon since suffering a broken leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
Taking to social media in a swiftly deleted post, the 36-year-old claimed terms had been agreed in principle.
“I have been offered an opponent and a date and I accept. Waiting on my contract.”
White House speculation intensifies
The timing of the announcement comes shortly after UFC CEO Dana White discussed plans for a historic event at the White House.
White recently confirmed that a card had been “built” for a potential show on President Donald Trump’s lawn later this year.
“We got the White House card done last week,” the promotional boss initially stated, before clarifying that matchmaking options had been laid out rather than fully signed.
While White did not explicitly link McGregor to the Washington DC event, the Irishman’s global profile makes him a logical candidate for such a high-stakes occasion.
Who will McGregor face?
McGregor did not disclose the identity of his opponent, sparking intense speculation regarding who will welcome him back to competition.
Michael Chandler remains a strong possibility, despite White previously suggesting that specific bout had been shelved.
Earlier this week, the former featherweight and lightweight king hinted at the match-up by posting Chandler’s “see you at the top” catchphrase online.
Other potential adversaries mentioned in connection with McGregor’s comeback include Jorge Masvidal, Colby Covington and long-time rival Nate Diaz.
Tyson Fury is poised to make his return to the boxing ring for a heavyweight clash against the dangerous Arslanbek Makhmudov.
The former world champion has been out of action recently but is now preparing to face the menacing Russian puncher.
This bout represents a significant challenge for the Morecambe-based fighter as he looks to reassert his dominance in the division.
A dangerous test for the Gypsy King
Makhmudov, known as “The Lion”, carries a formidable reputation for knockout power and physical strength.
Sky Sports reporter Andy Scott has outlined the details surrounding the match-up, indicating that the fight will test Fury’s resilience.
The British heavyweight will need to utilise his superior movement and boxing IQ to negate the heavy-handed approach of his opponent.
The heavyweight landscape
Victory against the Montreal-based contender would propel Fury back into contention for major titles.
However, a loss could prove catastrophic for the 35-year-old’s future ambitions in the sport.
Fans are eagerly awaiting official confirmation of the date and venue for what promises to be an explosive encounter.
Tiger Woods has indicated he remains open to captaining the United States at the 2027 Ryder Cup after declining the role for next year’s contest.
Future leadership ambitions
The 15-time major champion famously turned down the opportunity to lead the Americans at Bethpage Black in 2025.
He cited ongoing time constraints regarding the negotiations between the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia as the primary reason for his decision.
However, the 48-year-old has now suggested that the timing could be more favourable when the biennial event travels to Adare Manor in Ireland.
Speaking about the possibility, the former world number one admitted that taking the helm for the away fixture is a prospect he is considering.
Changes in US management
Following Woods’ rejection of the 2025 captaincy, the PGA of America surprisingly appointed Keegan Bradley to lead the hosts in New York.
Bradley will be tasked with reclaiming the trophy after the United States suffered a heavy defeat by Europe in Rome last year.
The American legend has previously served as a vice-captain, most notably assisting Davis Love III during the victory at Hazeltine in 2016.
Woods owns a mixed playing record in the competition, having featured on just one winning team in eight appearances as a player.
A move to captain the side in 2027 would pit him against a European team looking to defend their formidable home record.
Teenager Ami Nakai has stormed into the lead of the women’s figure skating at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, heading a dominant display by the Japanese team.
The 17-year-old posted a season-best score of 78.71 to take top spot on the leaderboard in Italy.
She is followed closely by compatriot and three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto in second place.
With Mone Chiba – a bronze medallist at last year’s World Championships – sitting fourth, Japan currently occupy three of the top four positions ahead of the decisive free skate.
Liu in contention as Glenn falters
The Japanese trio capitalised on uncharacteristic errors from the highly fancied American contingent.
Reigning world champion Alysa Liu lies in third place, keeping medal hopes alive for the United States.
Liu, instantly recognisable by her halo hair and lip piercing, drew a raucous reaction from a crowd that included team-mate Ilia Malinin and rap icon Snoop Dogg.
However, the American lost vital points after landing her triple lutz on the quarter.
The judging panel deemed the rotation incomplete, penalising the skater for returning to the ice 90 degrees short.
It was a far more difficult evening for US champion Amber Glenn, who suffered a disastrous routine.
The 26-year-old missed her triple loop entirely, resulting in zero points for that specific element.
Glenn burst into tears as she exited the rink, aware that her medal chances had evaporated as she finished the segment down in 13th place.
Petrosian debuts amid boos
Russian national champion Adeliia Petrosian, competing as an Individual Neutral Athlete (AIN), sits in fifth place.
The 18-year-old is coached by the controversial Eteri Tutberidze, although she was accompanied by Daniil Gleikhengauz while receiving her scores.
Despite fans in the arena holding banners of support, the teenager faced a smattering of boos during her introduction – a rarity in figure skating.
Petrosian, who has been unable to compete internationally due to the ban on Russian athletes, performed a spotless routine to a Michael Jackson medley.
She landed an excellent triple flip and toe loop to earn a season-best score of 72.89.
Spours bows out for Team GB
It was an emotional end to the competitive career of Kristen Spours.
Competing in her final event before an injury-enforced retirement, the Team GB skater finished in 29th place.
The Woking-born athlete will miss out on the free skate, with only the top 24 competitors progressing to Thursday evening’s medal decider.