Adelia Petrosyan, a three-time champion of the Russian Championships, performed in the women's short program at the event held as part of the Winter Olympics qualifiers in Milan, Cortina. Competing under the designation of a 'neutral individual athlete' due to the ongoing restrictions on Russian athletes following the invasion of Ukraine, Petrosyan showcased her skills in a notably challenging position, drawing attention as she skated early in the draw amid noticeable empty seats in the arena.

She chose a medley of Michael Jackson songs for her performance, which included pieces expressing anger toward social injustices, demonstrating not only her technical abilities but also her narrative depth on issues beyond sport. Despite the lingering effects of sanctions limiting Russian athletes' participation in major competitions, Petrosyan achieved a personal best score of 72.89 points, placing her in the top tier, though still reflecting a level of difficulty surrounding her competitive journey.

When questioned about the pressure of being the only Russian competitor in this event, Petrosyan responded in Russian, expressing a lack of pressure and a focused mindset on her performance preparation. Her response illustrates a determination to maintain composure amid external challenges and highlights the broader implications of international sports relations, especially concerning athletes from nations facing geopolitical tensions.