Vladislav Churakov and Ilya Nesterov, two promising Estonian figure skaters, are preparing to perform at the Junior World Championships taking place in Tallinn. Churakov, who won a silver medal at last year's European Youth Olympic Festival, feels that this experience will be beneficial during the home championship. The men's singles event will feature 43 competitors, with the short program taking place on March 4 and the free skate following two days later where the top 24 from the short program will qualify for the free skate.

Churakov shared his journey into figure skating, which began a decade ago when he was inspired by his sister. Initially, she was the one actively participating in the sport, while he watched from the sidelines, engaging in skating himself. Eventually, he decided to pursue figure skating too, following his sister's transition to judo. With a hint of nostalgia, Churakov talked about the passion and joy that skating brings him and hinted at how much he enjoys performing to music, which is a significant aspect of the artistic component of figure skating.

As they gear up for the championships, local support and excitement are palpable, highlighting not just the athletes’ personal stories but also the growing prominence of figure skating in Estonia. With the championships happening at home, both skaters aim to make a significant impact and inspire the next generation of figure skaters in their country, blending competitive spirit with the artistry of the sport.