On February 17, 2026, Latvia officially welcomed Olympic silver medalist Elīna Ieva Bota, along with her husband Mārtiņš and other Latvian luge athletes. This event marked a significant occasion for Bota and brought pride to the nation as they celebrated her achievement on an international stage. Before the couple departed Italy, they had a heartfelt conversation with TVNET+ about their experiences in Cortina, where the Olympics were held.

Elīna reminisced about the defining moment when she realized that her name would be forever etched in Latvian sports history. She expressed the profound impact of this recognition, highlighting the emotional weight that comes with representing her country on such a prestigious platform. This achievement stands as a symbol of dedication and hard work, and it resonates with the spirit of Latvian athletics and pride.

Additionally, Elīna and Mārtiņš shared the challenges they faced as they both competed in the Olympics, detailing the difficulty of watching each other’s performances under such high-stakes conditions. This dual commitment to Olympic excellence brought a unique dynamic not only to their relationship but also to their shared journey as athletes, further enriching the narrative of their sporting achievements and contributions to Latvian culture.