Aivar Pohlak, president of the Estonian Football Association, participated in his first Olympic Games, immersing himself in the live experience of figure skating in Milan. He remarked on the emotional power of witnessing athletes perform live, stating that he often found himself teary-eyed due to the successes and failures of the competitors as well as the heartfelt reactions from the crowd. The men's figure skating free program at the Milan Cortina Olympic Games featured dramatic turns, notably when favorite Ilia Malinin from the USA dramatically fell from first to eighth place in the finals.

The competitions saw an unexpected twist when Mikhail Shaidorov from Kazakhstan, who started in fifth place, claimed the gold medal by executing a flawless free skate. Meanwhile, Yuma Kagiyama and Shun Sato from Japan took home silver and bronze, further showcasing the event's intense competition. The emotional gravity of the event resonated with Pohlak, who was among approximately 10,000 spectators witnessing these remarkable performances firsthand.

Pohlak's reflection on experiencing the Olympics for the first time highlights the unique charm of live sports events compared to watching them on television. His engagement in live competitive sports sets a precedent for more Estonian officials to embrace and support winter sports, possibly influencing future participation and enthusiasm within Estonia itself.