Erika Stepanauskienė, the mother of a Lithuanian Olympian, expressed her frustration over the government's lack of genuine support following her daughter's disappointing performance in the Olympic giant slalom event.
During the Milan-Cortina Olympics, N. Stepanauskaitė competed in the giant slalom but was unable to maintain her speed and control, resulting in an unfortunate early exit from the race. Despite her disappointment, her mother, Erika Stepanauskienė, was there to console her, encouraging her to embrace the unique experience of being an Olympian, regardless of the outcome. Erika has been by her daughter's side throughout her skiing career, providing unwavering support from the very beginning.
In an interview with Lrytas, Erika shared the immense pressure and anxiety she felt prior to her daughter's start in Italy. The tension was palpable, and she felt as though her heart was racing wildly. Fortunately, Mindaugas Banelis, the chairman of the Lithuanian Skiing Federation, provided some comic relief and comfort by joking and speaking positively, which helped alleviate Erika's anxiety during such a critical moment.
Following the race, Erika's feelings shifted from disappointment about her daughter's performance to a deeper frustration with the lack of meaningful support and recognition from the government and the public. She emphasized the need for authentic attention to athletes' journeys and experiences rather than superficial praise, highlighting the emotional and financial challenges they face as they pursue their Olympic dreams.
