Tara Lipinski’s Daughter Georgie, 2, Receives Ilia Malinin’s Gold Medal in Sweet Surprise
On Feb. 17, 2026, at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, a gold medal found a tiny new owner, if only for a moment. After Team USA’s victory, Ilia Malinin gently placed his medal around 2-year-old Georgie’s neck, the daughter of Tara Lipinski. It was pure Olympic magic, and the crowd felt it.
Inside the Olympic Moment That Melted the Ice
At the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, Ilia Malinin helped Team USA win a gold medal in the figure skating team event before a touching moment with Tara Lipinski’s daughter, Georgie, on Feb. 17, 2026. Malinin placed his Olympic gold medal around Georgie’s neck in a candid scene shared widely on social media, showcasing the lighter, human side of Olympic competition. Lipinski posted photos of the moment on Instagram, writing that Malinin was “just so sweet with Georgie.”

Source: Yahoo News
Malinin’s Olympic journey has been mixed. After the team event’s success, he entered the men’s individual competition as a clear favorite but finished eighth in the free skate after several errors.
How Ilia Malinin’s Olympic Performance Told Two Different Stories
What stands out about Malinin’s skating is his technical prowess. He is known as the “Quad God” for his ability to land highly difficult jumps and has performed multiple quadruple jumps in competition. His record includes being one of the only skaters to complete a quadruple Axel in major events before the Olympics.
However, the pressure of Olympic competition seemed to affect him. During the Feb. 13, 2026, men’s final, Malinin struggled with several elements, including key jump errors, which dropped him out of medal contention despite leading after the short program.
What Analysts and Former Skaters Said About Malinin’s High-Pressure Week
- Commentators noted Malinin’s mix of brilliance and vulnerability under pressure, especially during the individual free skate.
- Former skaters and analysts observed that handling Olympic tension is as much mental as physical. Malinin himself admitted that pressure played a role in his performance.
- Fans on social platforms praised his effort and resilience and also supported his future in the sport. Discussions highlighted that even champions face setbacks.
Final Remarks
In the end, Malinin’s Olympic story was more than scores. He helped Team USA win gold, created an emotional highlight with Georgie Lipinski, and showed that even elite athletes have ups and downs. Moments like these remind us that the Olympics are as much about heart as they are about medals. Whether Malinin comes back stronger, the sport has its eyes on the “Quad God” as both an extraordinary athlete and a relatable human being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ilia Malinin briefly placed his team’s gold medal on Georgie on Feb. 17, 2026, as a sweet gesture.
Tara Lipinski’s daughter, Georgie, is 2 years old in 2026 during the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.
Yes, Ilia Malinin won team gold with Team USA on Feb. 17, 2026, at Milano Cortina.
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