Estonian figure skater Aleksandr Selevko had a mixed performance in his short program at the Milano Cortina Olympics, starting strongly with a four-turn toe loop and a triple Axel. However, a fall on the triple Lutz cost him valuable points as he attempted to perform a cascade in his routine. Despite the mishap, he managed to secure a score of 82.02, which allowed him to advance to the free skate round, where performances are often scored higher. Selevko's previous experience, having won a silver medal at the European Championships two years ago, adds weight to his current standing and expectations as he competes on the world stage.

His coach, Olga Ganicheva, expressed disappointment after the performance, revealing that Selevko was fully prepared for an excellent execution and should have performed better. Ganicheva noted that they were unsure what led to the fall, suggesting that perhaps Selevko was either overly confident or too cautious in his approach. She emphasized that with flawless execution, he could have easily reached the 90-point mark, putting him in contention for the top ranks. The pressure of competition at this level often amplifies both psychological considerations and the intensity of performance, as skaters aim to meet lofty expectations on the Olympic platform.

Looking forward, the anticipation of the free skate will create further excitement for fans and commentators alike, as Selevko has the potential to impress with his technical skills and artistry. His prior achievements have raised expectations, and the assessment of the judges in the next round will be crucial in determining his overall ranking. This incident reflects the delicate balance between mental fortitude and physical execution that athletes must navigate during international competitions, particularly in a high-stakes environment like the Olympics.