Ice masters have their hands full at the Milan figure skating arena
Figure skaters have started the Olympic Games in Milan with a team competition featuring participants from ten countries, including competitors of Niina Petrõkina and Aleksandr Selevko.
The Olympic figure skating team competition commenced in Milan, drawing participants from ten countries. Among the competitors are notable athletes Niina Petrõkina and Aleksandr Selevko, highlighting Estonia's representation on an international stage. This event marks a significant moment for the athletes as they aim to showcase their skills in front of a global audience.
The ice masters at Unipol Forum, the venue for the competition traditionally used by the Euroleague basketball team from Milan, are managing two different ice types for the contrasting needs of short-track speed skaters and figure skaters. Specifically, they are producing a colder ice surface at minus seven degrees Celsius for short-track competitors, and a relatively warmer minus three degrees Celsius for figure skaters to facilitate their jumps during performances. This dual-ice preparation reflects the intricate logistical challenges involved in hosting an Olympic event.
During the team competition, Niina Petrõkina's competitors performed their short programs, with the top three teams breaking the record set by a two-time European champion. The standout performance came from Kaori Sakamoto, representing Japan, who not only led her team to success but also accumulated an impressive score of 78.88 points. The organizers have also set up a specialized ice rink beside the main arena, allowing for optimal training conditions as the event attracts significant spectator interest, accommodating up to 11,500 viewers during the games.