Malinin Receives Prestigious Recognition for Sportsmanship

Figure skater Ilia Malinin has been awarded the International Fair Play Award for his exemplary sportsmanship displayed during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games. The award recognizes acts of integrity and character in sport, and this year’s contest saw record-breaking fan engagement, surpassing even the levels seen during the Paris 2024 Games.

A Legacy Rooted in Innsbruck 1964

The Fair Play Award’s origins trace back to the 1964 Innsbruck Olympic Winter Games, where Italian bobsleigh athlete Eugenio Monti demonstrated an extraordinary act of sportsmanship. During the competition, Monti provided a crucial replacement bolt to British rivals Tony Nash and Robin Dixon after their sledge was damaged. This selfless act enabled the British team to compete and ultimately win gold, although Monti himself secured a bronze medal.

“I am deeply humbled to receive this honor,” Malinin said, “especially given the incredible legacy of Eugenio Monti here in Italy.”

Ilia Malinin

CIFP President Highlights Growing Value of Fair Play

“The Milano Cortina 2026 Games have proven 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.”

Sunil Sabharwal, CIFP President

Other Nominees Recognized for Sportsmanship

Malinin’s achievement was celebrated alongside other remarkable displays of sportsmanship. Shortlisted nominees included:

• USA figure skater Amber Glenn for shielding Sakamoto Kaori from intrusive cameras.
• The Italian and USA curling teams for demonstrating honesty during a disputed stone-touch.
• The Canadian women’s ice hockey team for choosing not to seek a forfeit despite a norovirus outbreak.
• Czech curler Julie Zelingrova for self-reporting a minor rule violation.
• Japanese figure skater Kagiyama Yuma for his heartfelt celebration of Shun Sato’s medal.

About the International Fair Play Committee

The International Fair Play Committee (CIFP) is a non-profit international non-governmental organization dedicated to fostering sportsmanship in international competition. Established in 1963, the CIFP annually presents the World Fair Play Awards to recognize outstanding acts of fair play.