After news surfaced that legendary figure skater Scott Hamilton is once again facing a cancer battle, fans braced for an outpouring of tributes. But few expected what 2026 Olympic champion Ilia Malinin would do next

Scott Hamilton isn’t just remembered for his Olympic gold medal — he’s admired today for his resilience and ongoing impact. A cancer survivor, Hamilton has faced serious health challenges, including testicular cancer and multiple benign brain tumors, with remarkable strength. Rather than retreating from life, he continues to live fully and purposefully, describing his outlook as “living without restriction” while managing his health.

Today, Hamilton focuses much of his energy on giving back. He leads the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, dedicated to funding cancer research and improving patient care. He also remains active in the figure skating community, attending major events like the 2026 Winter Olympics and celebrating new champions.