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A potential wave of protests never materialised for Israeli figure skater Mariia Seniuk, who delivered a composed short program performance to secure her place in the women’s free skate at the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics 2026.
The 20-year-old, born in Moscow and competing for Israel since 2019, entered the rink aware that representing her adopted nation might draw mixed reactions. Instead, she was met largely with applause inside the packed arena.
“I felt the support,” Seniuk said afterward, smiling. “It’s very, very special. You can just feel the atmosphere.”
Her skate, clean and technically steady, earned 58.61 points — enough to place 22nd and advance to the decisive free skate. The result marked a personal milestone for the four-time national champion, who also carried Israel’s flag during the opening ceremony earlier this week.
That ceremony had featured scattered boos for the country’s small delegation, but inside Milan’s indoor venue, the mood appeared calmer. Spectators waved a handful of Israeli flags and cheered politely as Seniuk completed her elements.
The women’s event, however, was defined as much by sporting excellence as by off-ice narratives.
Japan’s teenage prodigy Ami Nakai stunned the field with a fearless triple Axel, posting a season-best 78.71 to take the surprise lead. Skating with confidence beyond her 17 years, Nakai electrified the crowd in her Olympic debut.
Three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto followed closely with 77.23, demonstrating the consistency that has made her a dominant force in recent seasons.
American star Alysa Liu, the reigning world champion, rounded out the top three with 76.59. Liu, competing in her second Olympics after briefly retiring as a teenager, appeared relaxed and reflective.
“A medal? I don’t need a medal,” Liu told reporters. “I just need to be here and present.”
Another notable performance came from Adeliia Petrosian, skating as a neutral athlete under Olympic regulations. Her Michael Jackson-themed routine, packed with triple jumps, earned 72.89 and kept her near the top of the standings for much of the evening before she settled into fifth.
While the technical battle intensified on the ice, small pockets of political tension lingered in the stands.
At the Forum di Assago, traditionally home to basketball games and concerts, Israeli supporters clustered together, waving flags and chanting encouragement.
Among them were American visitors Phyllis and Steven Sheinman, who had travelled from Cortina to support athletes with Jewish and Israeli connections. They described mostly positive interactions, even after a separate incident involving a shop worker earlier in the week.
Games organisers said they had acted swiftly to ensure what they called a “neutral, respectful and welcoming environment,” removing the staff member involved.
For many fans, the competition remained the central focus.
Twenty-two-year-old Mia Drazin, who recently relocated to Israel from Canada, admitted she was nervous entering the arena with a large flag draped over her shoulders. Instead of hostility, she found curiosity and requests for photos.
“No bad looks,” she said. “People have been really nice so far.”
Back on the ice, Seniuk’s goal is simple: deliver her best skate and block out the noise.
With the free skate looming, the field remains wide open behind Nakai’s slender advantage. For Seniuk, just reaching this stage represents resilience — a quiet triumph forged between politics and performance.
As the music fades and medals await, Milan’s rink has become a place where sport, for now, speaks louder than division.