Feb 17 • 08:30 UTC 🇪🇪 Estonia ERR

WATCH LIVE | Petrõkina hopes to enter high-level competition with Olympic short program

Estonian figure skater Niina Petrõkina is set to make her Olympic debut with her short program at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

Niina Petrõkina, a two-time European champion in figure skating, is preparing to make her Olympic debut on Tuesday evening, where she will perform her short program at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The broadcast, which will be available on ETV2 and ERR's sports portal, is set to start at 19:45, with Petrõkina's performance scheduled to take place at 23:00. Commentators Anu Säärits, Liina-Grete Lilender, and Eva-Lotta Kiibus will provide insights, with reporter Maarja Värv covering the event.

After winning her European championship title in front of her home crowd in Tallinn last year, Petrõkina faced a tumultuous year, necessitating surgery in October to address a long-standing issue with her Achilles tendon. Remarkably, she reclaimed her European championship title three months later in Sheffield, showcasing her resilience and determination. As she prepares to take the ice in her first Olympic appearance, she is designated to skate in the second-to-last starting group, indicating her strong standing in the competition.

In an interview on Saturday, Petrõkina expressed her mindset heading into the event, stating, "I don’t feel the pressure and I don’t want to feel it, as pressure usually isn't helpful. I just want to enjoy the moment." Her coach has undoubtedly been pivotal in her preparation, focusing on both her technical skills and mental approach, which will be crucial as she steps onto the Olympic stage for the first time.

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