At the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, Latvian biathlete Birkentāls had a challenging debut in the men's 20 km individual event, finishing 31st overall. Despite being a first-time Olympian, Birkentāls felt unwell before the race, which negatively impacted his performance during the competition. He struggled to maintain the necessary pace, and his anxiety manifested through two mistakes in shooting that further hindered his results.

In an interview with Latvian Television immediately after the race, Birkentāls shared his mixed emotions, stating he didn't feel quite right throughout the event. Recalling the struggle, he described his sensations using the metaphor of feeling like a "sour cucumber," suggesting a deep-seated frustration with not being at his best. Yet, he emphasized a sense of satisfaction in finishing the race despite the mistakes, reflecting a resilience to endure the challenges of competing at such a high level.

This experience marks a significant moment for Latvian biathlon, where the team aims to improve and learn from each Olympic appearance. Birkentāls' reflections highlight the pressures athletes face in competition, especially on such a grand stage, and the importance of mental preparedness. As the Olympics continue, the hope remains that his performance will bolster future aspirations for the Latvian biathlon team.