Ilia Malinin made his first public statement since his crushing finish at the Winter Olympics, previewing his next performance in the exhibition gala.

The men’s free skate features Ilia Malinin in his bid to win his first singles Winter Olympics gold medal. Follow along.

The 21-year-old was trying to fight back tears after one of the worst nights of his career, one that left a star-packed crowd inside Milano Ice Arena sitting in stunned silence.