In the Olympic short track races, athletes aim to progress to the next round while taking significant risks, as emphasized by Latvian short tracker Roberts Krūzbergs. After finishing third in the last of eight heats for the 1000 meters, he advanced to the quarterfinals following a referee's decision. Krūzbergs described his experience on the ice as 'not cool' and 'dirty', noting the inherent risks associated with race conditions that often lead to collisions and lost speed.

Krūzbergs explained that the desire to advance further in such prestigious competitions leads to aggressive tactics, which can create contact with other competitors. He mentioned a specific instance involving a Chinese athlete at the finish line, highlighting how these contacts impact overall performance. Acknowledging that these types of races will only increase in contact intensity, he stressed the importance of adapting to such situations as they arise on the ice.

Reflecting on his performance, Krūzbergs noted that without the collisions he experienced, he might have been satisfied with his heat. He described a moment when an American competitor passed him, after which he attempted to execute an overtaking maneuver, but the following turn was challenging. This blend of competition, risk, and strategy encapsulates the high stakes involved in Olympic short track events, as athletes push their limits to secure advancement in their sport.