Before the race, short track athlete Bērziņš hoped for a faster pace that would allow three out of four competitors to qualify for the next round. However, the race began slower than expected, placing him in fourth position after a few laps. Realizing he needed to adapt his strategy on the fly, Bērziņš stated, 'I understood that I had to calm down and make use of my speed.' He acknowledged the anticipation of contact as a Chinese competitor attempted to overtake, which he managed to handle effectively. Bērziņš expressed satisfaction with his performance, although he felt he could have executed the end of the race with slightly better technique, yet emphasized that the primary goal was achieved.

In the quarterfinals, another athlete, Roberts Krūzbergs, also advanced despite encountering contact with a competitor that led to a decision by the referees. Krūzbergs aimed to lead the race but was surprised by the aggressive tactics of a Polish competitor who preferred to attack from the inner corners. Reflecting on the incident, he noted the unexpectedness of the situation, emphasizing the competitive nature of short track racing where tactics can change rapidly. For both athletes, adapting to the dynamics of the race is critical, and their ability to navigate the unexpected challenges shows their skill and determination in this high-paced sport.