Svetlana Varnavskaja, a former athlete turned coach, is guiding Niina Petrõkina, who has recently clinched her second European championship title, as they prepare for their Olympic debut in Milan Cortina. Shortly after arriving in Milan, the duo quickly hit the ice to familiarize themselves with the competitive venue, highlighting the importance of the sole practice session available before the competition begins. Speaking to ERR, Varnavskaja expressed their goal to put forth a beautiful performance and enjoy the Olympic experience, as this is their first appearance at such a significant event.

Petrõkina shared her reflections on the emotional and media pressures following her European victory, describing the intense scrutiny they faced in the weeks leading up to the Olympics. Despite not being able to fully rest, she noted that they still managed to train diligently for about three weeks, focusing on building up their physical and mental stamina. This combination of striving for excellence while handling increased public attention is a balancing act that they are navigating as they enter the high-stakes Olympic atmosphere.

As the Olympic Games approach, Varnavskaja and Petrõkina find themselves not just preparing for the competition, but also for the unique challenges that come with representing their country on such a global stage. Their journey thus far illustrates the dedication required from athletes and their coaches, embodying both the pressure of performance and the thrill of competing at the highest level of figure skating on an international platform.