Estonian figure skater Niina Petrõkina made an impressive Olympic debut during the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, where she performed a short program that included a double Axel, a triple Lutz, a triple toe loop cascade, and a triple flip, earning a total score of 69.63 points. This score was slightly below her personal best of 70.61 points, which she achieved a month earlier at the European Championships in Sheffield where she won her second gold medal. Petrõkina skated as the penultimate competitor in her group, showcasing her skills and determination on an international stage.

Commentators Anu Säärits, Liina-Grete Lilender, and Eva-Lotta Kiibus provided insights during the live coverage, highlighting that Petrõkina's performance could have potentially garnered a higher technical score were it not for a few technical missteps. Kiibus pointed out that there was room for improvement in technical execution, signalling that while the performance was strong, it also contained elements that could be refined for future competitions. Athletes and observers alike are anticipating how the favorites will respond following her performance.

Currently, Petrõkina is in fifth place overall, and figure skating fans are eager to see how she will fare against renowned competitors. The results of her short program will set the tone for her remaining events in the Olympic lineup. As she navigates this pivotal moment in her career, both her performance and recovery from minor mistakes will be critical in shaping her standings within the competition and her future in the sport.