Marten Liiv, the Estonian speed skater, faced the Milan-Cortina Olympics with high expectations but ultimately finished 18th in the 500 meters with a time of 34.83 seconds. In an interview with ERR, Liiv expressed disappointment that he did not finish in the top ten, as he believed he had the potential to perform better based on previous races. However, he noted that his race was satisfactory overall, especially after overcoming a false start, and he felt his start was quite good despite wishing he could have been faster.

Liiv contextualized his performance by comparing it to his recent race in Inzell, where he achieved one of his best results of the season. He indicated a concern about his physical condition during the race, specifically mentioning that he struggled to find the necessary strength in his legs to maintain the rhythm he aimed for after the initial 30 to 40 meters. He pointed out that the first part of his race went well, but a lack of power hampered his subsequent performance, preventing him from achieving the desired acceleration and speed.

Despite the setback, Liiv remains resolute about his capabilities and aims to improve in future competitions. His analysis reflects not only a personal challenge but also the competitive nature of sports, where athletes continually push themselves to meet and exceed their goals. Liiv's remarks serve as an insight into the mindset of an athlete coping with both high expectations and the realities of competition, emphasizing resilience and determination in the face of disappointment.