Deniss Vasiļjevs, a Latvian figure skater, showcased a stunning performance in Milan, earning him a place in the Olympic Games selection program for figure skating. His short program scored 82.44 points, placing him eighth among seventeen competitors. Vasiļjevs is now among the top twenty-four skaters who will advance to the selection program on Friday, highlighting his talent and competitive prowess despite recent injuries that hindered his ability to perform a quadruple jump.

In contrast to Vasiļjevs, his fellow competitor, Fedirs Kuļišs, struggled in his performance, attempting a quadruple jump but failing to land it correctly. This misstep resulted in a disappointing score of 66.86 points, leaving him in sixteenth place and at a significant disadvantage for advancing further in the competition. The competitive environment was palpable, especially considering Vasiļjevs's strong performance and the expectations surrounding him.

The excitement generated by Vasiļjevs's routine was echoed in the commentary, with critics describing his performance as "pure poetry on ice." The lack of a quadruple jump, while seen as a disadvantage in terms of scoring potential, did not detract from the aesthetic quality of his skating. As spectators, there is a shared appreciation for the artistry he brings to the ice, bringing joy to both the audience and himself, even amidst the intense pressures of Olympic qualification.