The International Committee for Fair Play, in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee, is proud to announce that American figure skater Ilia Malinin has been named as the recipient of the Milano Cortina 2026 Fair Play Award.

Emerging from a shortlist of six exceptional finalists, Malinin was chosen for his display of profound sportsmanship during the men's Individual event. After a challenging performance that saw him go from first to eighth place, Malinin immediately cast aside his personal disappointment to warmly embrace and celebrate gold medalist Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan.

This year's contest generated the highest level of fan engagement in the award's history. The total number of votes cast by fans worldwide surpassed even the record-breaking engagement seen during the Paris 2024 Games — a remarkable feat for a Winter Games edition and a clear signal of the growing global value placed on integrity and character in sport.

The 2026 award marks a symbolic homecoming for the Fair Play movement. It honors the legacy of the Italian bobsleigh legend from Cortina, Eugenio Monti, the first-ever Fair Play Award recipient in 1964. To commemorate this 62-year journey, the CIFP held a heartfelt ceremony in Cortina during the Games, linking Monti's "landmark act" to the champions of today.

Upon receiving this distinguished award, Ilia Malinin commented:

I am deeply humbled to receive this honor, especially given the incredible legacy of Eugenio Monti here in Italy. Congratulating Mikhail wasn't about the results; it was about the shared journey we take as athletes. Knowing that fans worldwide connected with that moment means more to me than any medal.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry said: "Fair play is the heartbeat of the Olympic Movement. Ilia's actions reminded us all that excellence is not just measured by a podium finish, but by the respect and solidarity we show our competitors in our most difficult moments. The unprecedented fan participation in this award is a testament to the success of Milano Cortina 2026 and the universal appeal of the Olympic values."

CIFP President Sunil Sabharwal added: "The Milano Cortina 2026 Games have proved that the spirit of Eugenio Monti is more alive today than ever before. To see our global 'fair play community' engage in such record-breaking numbers — surpassing even the heights of Paris —shows that sportsmanship is a positive force to reckon with. Ilia's gesture was the embodiment of 'victory beyond the medal', and we are honored to recognize him in the very mountains where this movement began over 60 years ago."

Read more information on the Fair Play Award and the stories of the 2026 finalists.

About the CIFP
The International Fair Play Committee is an IOC-recognized organization founded in 1963 by UNESCO and leading international sports governing bodies. For over 60 years, the CIFP has served as the global guardian of sporting ethics, honoring those who prioritize integrity and the human spirit over victory at any cost. Through its prestigious World Fair Play Awards and global educational initiatives, the CIFP ensures that the fundamental values of sport — respect, friendship and fair play — are preserved for future generations.

For more information, visit www.fairplayinternational.org.