Allison Reed, who has recently made her name in the world of Lithuanian figure skating, attended the Winter Olympics to cheer on fellow skater M. Variakojyte during her debut Olympic performance. Reed expressed immense pride and happiness at Variakojyte's performance, praising her positive attitude and joy at participating in such a prestigious event. Despite her own experience as a competitor, Reed admitted that supporting a friend from the stands brought its own set of challenges.

Reed reflected on the emotional rollercoaster of watching Variakojyte skate, stating that it was significantly more stressful than competing herself. She humorously noted the physical manifestations of her stress, such as clutching the Lithuanian flag and covering her face during Variakojyte's jumps. This illustrates not only the pressure of competition but also the deep camaraderie and support within the figure skating community, especially as Reed has recently gained Lithuanian citizenship and feels a strong connection to her new nation's athletes.

As athletes from different backgrounds come together in the Olympics, stories like that of Allison Reed and M. Variakojyte highlight the blend of personal and national identity that sports can evoke. Reed's experience underscores the emotional investment that comes when friends and fellow athletes compete on the world stage, suggesting that the bonds formed in sports can be as significant as the achievements themselves.