Why "Quad God" Ilia Malinin Skated in $1,290 Balmain Jeans

When fashion and sports collide at the Olympics, the message is powerful.

Hello, Popsugar here, with your reminder to do things that make you feel well. Today's newsletter was written and curated by shopping director Sarah Wasilak. The $1,290 "Quad God" Olympic Skating Accessory Everyone's Talking About If you're not familiar with Ilia Malinin (aka "Quad God"), you're clearly not watching the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games. And that's cool — but maybe the 21-year-old Virginia native's latest routine will inspire you to tune in. After winning gold for USA in the team skating event, Malinin continued to show his prowess on the ice and has cemented himself as a hero in my eyes, despite a few falls and mistakes.   His exhibition gala performance on Feb. 21 is what we'll all remember: an illustration of the immense pressure he has felt in the lead-up to the Olympics. Skating to "Fear" by NF — wearing the rapper's merch hoodie and Balmain Loose-Fit Denim Biker Jeans ($1,290) — Malinin's choreography was expressive and impressive all at once, including two quads, a backflip, and moves that could only be properly complemented by a street-cred outfit like this one.   The dark and grungy color palette? Appropriately emotive. The white contrast biker print on the front leg of the pants? It visually mimicked and drew attention to the fresh skate marks on the ice — the culmination of Malinin's lifelong commitment and dedication to his sport, up until this very moment. While the Balmain jeans are unique, and will undoubtedly sell out following Quad God's seal of approval, they aren't what you picture when you think of a skating costume.   But maybe that's part of Malinin's point: if he can turn the idea of fear on its head by channeling the feeling into a display of confidence, why put limitations on an Olympic skating costume? Clearly, the denim proved to be functional enough for a Quad God. If you like the look, I rounded up inspired pants below at a more affordable price point.   Oyicai Baggy Jeans ($33, originally $37) Flamingals Wide Leg Jeans ($49) Jaded London Diamante Western Colossus Jeans ($76, originally $190) BDG Jaya Wash Effect Baggy Boyfriend Jean ($79) Santo Studio Medici Prato Graphic Baggy Jeans ($100, originally $200) Jaded London Hunter Jean ($143, originally $170) Who Decides War Embroidered Distressed Jeans ($331) The Best Butt-Lifting Leggings to Shop Right Now, According to Editors As Popsugar fitness editors, we have tons of strengths — but my personal favorite is how good we are at spotting butt-lifting leggings. These are our favorite on the market. READ MORE → I'm a Health and Fitness Editor — Here Are the Best Products For a Healthy New Year Our health and wellness staff writer and social producer Chan put together her list of the healthiest products you could possibly invest in to keep your best foot forward in 2026. READ MORE → This Is Me, Screaming About Therabody's Warehouse Sale From the Rooftops As a marathon runner, I am such a fan of Therabody products. Our editors have reviewed nearly all of the health and wellness company's bestsellers. Now's your last chance to shop the brand's warehouse sale for unparalleled recovery and maintenance devices — and deals only last through Thursday, Feb. 26. I'm saying "you're welcome" in advance, because I decided to round up the five best items that, in my humble opinion, you'll never regret purchasing. Oh and FYI: refurbished products are in good-as-new condition. Just plug in the code EXTRA at checkout.   TheraCup Refurbished ($99, originally $139) SmartGoogles Refurbished ($129, originally $159) Theragun Sense ($180, originally $300) JetBoots Prime Refurbished ($379, originally $419) TheraFace Mask Refurbished ($399, originally $449) Therabody Product Recs Editor Picks: Fitness Products on Repeat These are the fitness products I've actually been using week after week — and there's no sign of retiring them soon. Brooks Ghost 17 Mickey Mouse I'm running the Disney Princess race on Friday, and these shoes are epic. Enough said. $170 Chirp Halo Wireless Muscle Stim My ultimate runner's knee recovery tool when I'm not at physical therapy. $180 $200 Camino Sours Orchard Peach Balance Gummies I take these gummies to help reduce stress and inflammation between workouts. $32 $35 Athleta Elation Ultra High Rise Straight Leg Pant Not too flared, perfect for yoga, great compression. $69 $99 PS . . . Before you go, here are more stories from Popsugar and beyond that we think you'll appreciate. Our editors (and experts!) named the best cross-training sneakers of the year, so you don't ever have to wonder if you're in the right pair. I tried Taylor Swift's exact Dogpound workout in NYC, and I start to sweat every time I play it back in my head. Keke Palmer is yet another celeb whose workout routine is admirable. This one's for all the Pilates girls. Shop PS Fitness Gear at CVS Functional, comfortable, and stylish activewear designed to take you to the gym and beyond. PS — click here to read more from us. Did someone forward you this email? Subscribe now to get more from Popsugar Fitness in your inbox.   update preferences | privacy notice | unsubscribe This email was sent to latestnews401.cele@blogger.com.  View online    As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. 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