Niina Petrõkina, the reigning European champion in figure skating, has received her start time for her upcoming short program performance at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Scheduled to compete as the 22nd female skater on Tuesday, Petrõkina will take the ice second to last in the fourth group, allowing her to observe the performances of earlier skaters, including notable competitors such as Ami Nakai, Madeline Schizas, and home favorite Lara Naki Gutmann.

In preparation for this significant moment, Petrõkina mentioned that she has actively practiced managing her waiting time during training sessions. By simulating the competition experience and standing at the board for 15-20 minutes, she prepared herself for the conditions she will face at the Olympics. Petrõkina expressed that while some skaters may prefer to go first after the warm-up, she feels equally ready regardless of her placement in the lineup, demonstrating her confidence and mental readiness for the competition.

As the Olympics approach, the anticipation builds not just for Petrõkina but for Estonian fans who are eager to support their athlete. The short program performance is crucial in setting the stage for the rest of the competition, and Petrõkina's approach to this challenge reflects her dedication and professional spirit as she aims to deliver a strong performance in front of a global audience.