“EVERYONE CAUGHT THAT, RIGHT?”

The Olympics are an event that brings athletes from all around the world together for weeks of heated competition.

Ilia Malinin Seized the Moment in Winning the World Figure Skating  Championships on Saturday - The New York Times

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Some of those athletes stay together even after the competition ends.

Ilia Malinin Interview | 2025 Summer Sizzler

So, it appears, is the case with United States figure skater Ilia Malinin and South Korean figure skater Lee HaeIn. The two were photographed at a cat cafe in Milan, fueling fan speculation about whether this was or was not a “date.”

https://twitter.com/TheIliaSociety/status/2025981254244667465

Comments on the X post from @TheIliaSociety linking Malinin, 21, and Lee, 20, suggest fans approve of the relationship — whatever kind of relationship it might be.

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“They look good together,” wrote user @senhoritacarmo.

Malinin helped the United States win gold in the team figure skating event, delivering a strong free skate that clinched the victory for his team early in the competition.

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In the men’s individual event, Malinin was the heavy favorite and led after the short program, but a mistake-filled free skate with falls and errors dropped him out of medal contention, and he finished eighth overall.

Winter Olympic Games 2026: USA beat Japan to figure skating team gold | Flashscore.com

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A post shared by Ilia Malinin (@ilia_quadg0d_malinin)

Lee also finished eighth in the women’s singles free skate in her Olympic debut.

Sunday, Lee posted a response on Instagram to Malinin’s post, a photo of himself holding a gold medal in Milan. Her 3-word message: “The brightest star”

Malinin's epic choke could be the start of a great Olympic story - The Globe and Mail

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