Though the win-lose counts decide a game, Amber Glenn and Ilia Malinin's feats at the 2026 Winter Olympics confirm that even the Olympic committee honors those who uphold sportsmanship.

Both Glenn and Malinin have helped Team USA win gold in the group event. Although both skaters fell short during their solo medal run, they're now up for the Milano-Cortina Fair Play Award.

And U.S. Figure Skating backed up their stars by taking it on X. “2026 Team USA Olympians Ilia Malinin & Amber Glenn are nominated for a Milano-Cortina Fair Play Award – Vote now!” they posted on March 2.

After falling twice in his routine, Malinin ended in 8^th place during the free skate portion. While Glenn’s invalid jump pushed her on 13^th during her short program. However, the 21-year-old rushed to celebrate Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov’s gold win, while Glenn blocked the cameras to protect Kaori Sakamoto during her vulnerable moment.

These remarkable acts of sportsmanship earned the pair the nomination, which recognizes “standout acts of sportsmanship, integrity and solidarity” during the Games.

The Moment That Earned Both Athletes the Nomination

After Shaidorov’s podium finish, Malinin was one of the first to congratulate him. After reflecting on his own shortcomings, the 21-year-old star did not waste time addressing Shaidorov’s hard work. Highlighting that the skaters are one big family beyond competition.

“I actually went up to him and congratulated him," Malinin said. "I watched him skate from the locker room, and I’m just so proud of him. I heard he didn’t have the best season. We’re all in this sport together, and we’re there for each other. That’s what makes this sport special.”

“I think people forget that sometimes. They only see us competing and assume we’re rivals without good relationships. But it’s actually the opposite. There’s joy, motivation, encouragement — we’re like a big family”, he added further.

Glenn’s remark was blunter about the insensitive camera work. Which kept rolling despite Sakamoto’s visibly vulnerable moment, which came after her silver win. Glenn put herself between the Japanese and the cameras, giving her the much-needed space.

“D*** I know it’s their job but they will get all up in your business when you clearly need space it’s wild,” Glenn commented on a TikTok video of that viral clip.

Would you vote for them? Write down your thoughts in the comments.

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Written by

Deblina Roy

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi