Simone Biles understands what Ilia Malinin is experiencing after his Olympic defeat.

Ilia Marin’s Olympic Journey and Support from Simone Biles

It’s hard to find many athletes who truly understand what Ilia Marin is experiencing right now.

Simone Biles is one of the few who can relate, and she’s been a constant source of support for her fellow Team USA member.

The most decorated gymnast in history recently shared her thoughts on Marin’s situation, saying, “I held out my shoulder so that I could lean on it,” after he finished in an impressive 8th place in the men’s free skate at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Biles will be in Milan this year for the Olympics. She mentioned having spoken to Marin both in person and online, offering encouragement based on their shared experiences in the sport.

“I know exactly what he’s going through, but I also know that most athletes may not be able to relate,” Biles explained.

She added, “It’s really, really tough to watch, but he’s still an absolute legend, so I’m watching him go to the top after this and we’re all just rooting for him.”

Marin, often referred to as the “God of the Quads,” entered his first Olympics as a heavy favorite for the gold in men’s singles skating. However, unexpected falls resulted in a heartbreaking absence from the podium.

With tears in his eyes, the 21-year-old acknowledged that the immense pressure leading up to the Olympics might have affected his focus.

Over the following days, his mental state seemed to deteriorate. He began sharing related videos on his TikTok account.

Support poured in from fans and other athletes, including Tom Brady and Stephen Curry, which Marin expressed meant a lot to him.

“Looking back, I’ve had so much love and support. So many people have reached out to me,” he said. “Honestly, I am very honored and feel like it was a very fulfilling day.”

Biles returned to competition at the 2024 Paris Games, securing three gold medals (team, individual all-around, and vault) along with a silver medal (floor exercise).

While Marin faced challenges in the individual competition, bringing an end to a remarkable undefeated streak spanning over two years, he contributed significantly to the U.S. team’s gold medal success.