Lithuanian figure skater M. Variakojytė recently delivered her best performance of the season at the Mediolanum Forum in Milan, scoring 53.86 points in her short program. The event attracted local supporters, including fellow competitors Saulius Amburlevičius and Allison Reed, highlighting a moment of national pride for Lithuanian figure skating. However, the absence of her coach, Raimo Reinsalu, cast a shadow over the event as he is currently facing a two-year ban from the International Skating Union (ISU) due to disciplinary actions taken just before the Olympic Games.

The decision to suspend Reinsalu forced the Lithuanian National Olympic Committee (LTOK) to revoke his accreditation for the upcoming Olympics. M. Variakojytė expressed the challenges posed by her coach's absence, noting a change in training dynamics. Initially, she found it difficult without his guidance but gradually adapted, improving her confidence and performance as she prepared for competitions. This reflects not only her resilience as an athlete but also the broader implications of the suspension for the Lithuanian figure skating community.

These events underline the significant pressures around Olympic athletes, particularly when it involves coaching scenarios that can directly impact their performance and mental health. The incident raises questions about the support systems in place for athletes when facing unexpected disruptions like a coach's suspension, and it highlights both the communal nature of sports and the individual struggles athletes endure, balancing personal talent and external challenges as they strive for success.