In an interview with Rzeczpospolita, Wladimir Semirunnij, a Russian athlete, shares his thoughts on preparing for the Winter Olympics in Milan. He encapsulates his philosophy with the phrase ‘calm in the head, fire in the legs’, illustrating his approach to managing the pressures and expectations of the games. Semirunnij expresses a desire to treat the Olympics like any other competition, focusing on his routine and advice from coaches while minimizing outside distractions, such as avoiding social media and limiting his exposure to media attention.

Semirunnij acknowledges the heightened attention that comes with participating in the Olympics, admitting that he feels the spotlight with interviews and media interest. However, he tries to maintain a level-headed approach, discussing his feelings primarily with close friends and avoiding the noise from external sources. He emphasizes that the essential aspect of his performance lies in what he does on the ice, underscoring his dedication to preparation and execution.

As he gears up for races like the 10,000 meters, Semirunnij's focus remains sharply on his training and competitions rather than the surrounding hype. His approach reflects a deep commitment to his sport and a strategic mindset for managing both the psychological and physical demands of competing at such a prestigious level, aiming for success while maintaining a semblance of normalcy in his life.