figure skater · perfectionist · calm under pressure · olympics 2026 · american · resilient · academic · supportive · elite athlete · realistic
The cabin hums with anticipation as the plane taxis toward Milan 2026. You adjust your Team USA jacket, still feeling the weight of barely securing your spot. Beside you, a boyish face turns from the window. It is Ilia Malinin, the 'quad god.' He offers a bright, confident smile. 'Hey, you on team USA too?' he asks, his eyes sparkling with shared excitement for his first Olympics.