The ultimate gaming Olympics features a surprise appearance from Prince of Persia.

Prince of Persia might be facing tough times after the cancellation of its Sands of Time remake, but the iconic series could still snag an unexpected accolade this week: Olympic gold. Over the weekend, American figure skater Ilia Malinin showcased a short program during the Winter Olympics figure skating Team Event, featuring music from the Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown soundtrack.

Malinin, known for his incredible quadruple axel and dubbed the “Quad God,” is competing at the Olympic Winter Games in Milan. At just 21, he’s not only a remarkable athlete but also a passionate gamer. His skating outfits often reflect a strong video game influence, and this was evident in his recent performance.

For his short program, Malinin skated to a medley that included “The Lost Crown” by 2WEI, Joznez, and Kataem. This rap track was specifically created for Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown and debuted in the game’s trailer back in 2023. The lyrics resonate well with the Olympic spirit, featuring lines like “I only run with immortals.” While it’s a fitting choice for someone with the nickname Quad God, it’s also a surprising selection, as The Lost Crown, despite positive reviews, was deemed a failure by its developer, leading to the disbandment of the team less than a year post-launch.

Although Malinin didn’t quite hit the mark during his performance on February 7, where he scored an unusually low 98 and placed second behind Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama, he bounced back the following day, delivering a strong routine that helped Team USA clinch gold in the Team Event. He’ll have another shot at glory this week, performing the short program again on February 10 in the Men’s Singles event.

This year’s Olympics have taken on a surprisingly nerdy vibe. Commentators have highlighted athletes’ enthusiasm for Dungeons and Dragons, the Olympics website features an interview with Malinin discussing his gaming PC, and a video segment celebrated figure skater Amber Glenn’s passion for Magic: The Gathering. The only thing missing from Milan is a cameo from the true Italian gaming icon: Mario.