Iida Karhunen, a 17-year-old figure skater from Finland, made her Olympic debut in Milan, shining under the sun during press interactions. With her aspirations set on achieving future accolades, she stated her immediate goal for these Olympics was simply to reach the top 24 in the women's short program, which would allow her to compete in the free skate event later in the week. Karhunen, who started her first senior season, regarded her participation more as a learning experience than one with significant pressure.

On the day of her performance, Karhunen achieved a personal best score of 65.05, which enabled her to finish 15th in the short program among 29 competitors. Despite strong performances from other participants, including Japan's Nakai Ami and Sakamoto Kaori, Karhunen's focus remained on enjoying the competition and delivering her best performance. Her optimistic outlook illustrates the spirit of youth and the importance of personal growth in elite sports.

Karhunen's presence in Milan highlights the growing talent pool in Finnish figure skating and represents the country's youthful athleticism on an international stage. As she continues to hone her skills in the NHL vicinity, her journey serves as an inspiration for young athletes aiming for future Olympic success. This experience further cements her position as a promising athlete to watch in upcoming competitions, blending the excitement of Olympic participation with her development as a competitor.