Deniss Vasiļjevs, a 26-year-old Latvian figure skater, is set to participate in his third Olympic Games, having previously finished 19th in 2018 and 13th in 2022. As he gears up for the competition in Milan, Vasiļjevs is focusing on recovery after undergoing multiple back injections following the European Championships in Sheffield. His intensive preparation has included perfecting both his short and free skate programs, aiming for a more fluid and rhythmic performance on the ice.

During an interview, Vasiļjevs expressed his desire to feel lighter and faster while maintaining excellent rhythm on the ice. He emphasized the importance of being in tune with his body and finding a smooth flow akin to that of a river. Despite being limited in making technical changes to his execution for the Olympic performances, he is keen to deliver a strong showing and score higher than he did in Sheffield, balancing the demands of risk-taking with courage in his routines.

Vasiļjevs also hinted at potentially attempting quadruple jumps in his free program, showcasing his ambition to accumulate more points than in his previous outings. As he enters this pivotal moment in his career, Vasiļjevs is looking to harness his physical capabilities and competitive spirit to make a significant impact at the Olympics, drawing on the support of his fans and reflecting on the growth he has experienced throughout his journey in figure skating.