Figure Skating Controversy: Malinin & Petrokina Incident

Niina Petrokina’s Dramatic Gala Performance at the 2026 Olympics: A Playful “Shooting” Routine with Ilia Malinin

Milano, Italy – The 2026 Winter Olympics concluded with a dazzling figure skating exhibition gala on February 21st, featuring some of the sport’s biggest stars. Among the most talked-about moments was a playful and unconventional performance by Estonian skater Niina Petrokina and American figure skating sensation Ilia Malinin. Petrokina, fresh off a seventh-place finish in the women’s singles event, engaged Malinin in a humorous skit that involved a mock “shooting” routine, captivating the Italian audience and generating buzz online. The performance, part of Petrokina’s signature show program, has quickly develop into a highlight of the Olympic games.

Petrokina, the reigning European champion, has been showcasing her popular show program at major competitions for the past four years. The routine, set to the music from the film “Chicago,” specifically “Cell Block Tango,” has consistently garnered enthusiastic responses from audiences. She first performed the program following her European Championship win in Tallinn in 2025, and again at the 2026 Sheffield European Championships, as well as at the 2025 World Championships. The gala at the Olympics marked the first time an Estonian athlete participated in an ice skating exhibition gala.

A Tangled Web of “Victims” in Petrokina’s Performance

Petrokina’s show program is structured around a narrative where she portrays Roxie Hart, the protagonist from “Chicago,” and three male skaters take on the roles of her “victims.” The choreography involves a dramatic sequence where Roxie “eliminates” each of her rivals. At the Olympics, Ilia Malinin was the first to fall victim to Petrokina’s theatrical performance, “shot” with a playful gesture. He was followed by South Korean skater Jun-hwan Cha, who was “poisoned,” and Spanish ice dancer Tim Dieck, who met his end with a “slashed throat.”

The choice of Malinin as the first “victim” was particularly noteworthy, given his status as a favorite in the men’s singles competition. However, Malinin experienced a disappointing performance in the free skate, ultimately finishing in eighth place. Postimees reported that Malinin was Niina Petrõkina’s first “ohver” (victim) in the performance.

Malinin’s Olympic Performance and the Gala’s Lighthearted Tone

Ilia Malinin, widely regarded as a “jump king,” entered the Olympics as a strong contender for a medal. However, his performance in the free skate did not live up to expectations. Despite the setback, Malinin appeared to take the playful nature of Petrokina’s performance in stride, participating enthusiastically in the skit. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel captured a moment of interaction between Petrokina and Malinin during the gala, highlighting the lighthearted atmosphere.

The gala itself was divided into four sections, with Petrokina’s performance opening the second section, titled “Everything is New. Everything Shines.” The program’s choreography and dramatic presentation clearly resonated with the audience, demonstrating Petrokina’s ability to blend athletic skill with artistic expression. The performance was a departure from the competitive pressure of the individual events, allowing skaters to showcase their creativity and personality.

Petrokina’s Rising Profile and Continued Success

Niina Petrokina’s success extends beyond her European Championship title. Her consistent strong performances and captivating show programs have established her as a prominent figure in the world of figure skating. The Olympic gala provided a platform to further showcase her talent to a global audience. Her ability to connect with audiences through innovative choreography and engaging storytelling has solidified her position as a fan favorite.

At the domestic European Championships, Petrokina’s “victims” were Estonian male singles skaters Aleksandr Selevko, Mihhail Selevko, and Arlet Levandi. The shift to international stars like Malinin at the Olympics underscores the growing recognition of Petrokina’s talent and the increasing scale of her performances.

The playful interaction between Petrokina and Malinin during the gala was similarly highlighted by Postimees, which described it as a humorous “shooting” routine.

The 2026 Winter Olympics concluded on February 23rd. Fans can look forward to seeing Niina Petrokina continue to compete and innovate in the world of figure skating. Her next scheduled competition is the World Championships in March 2026, where she is expected to present her acclaimed “Chicago” program once again.

What did you experience of Niina Petrokina’s performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with your fellow figure skating fans!