Estijos dailiojo čiuožimo sensacija: 7-oji vieta olimpiadoje ir įkvepianti istorija

A 21-year-old Estonian figure skater has achieved a historic seventh-place finish at the Olympics. This marks the highest placement ever for an Estonian competitor in Olympic figure skating.

A Triumph Over Adversity

N. Petrokina secured a total score of 210.82, placing her as the second-highest performing European skater in the competition. Only Russia’s Adelija Petrosian, competing as a “neutral” athlete, achieved a higher score.

European Champion

This result further solidifies N. Petrokina’s reputation as a leading figure in European figure skating, having previously won the European Championship in both 2025 and 2026.

Did You Know? N. Petrokina is a two-time European Champion, winning the title consecutively in 2025 and 2026.

“As you can see – I am very happy. I did all my work to the end, I squeezed the maximum out of myself – both in the performance and in the emotions. I am very proud of myself,” N. Petrokina told Lrytas following her Olympic debut.

A Challenging Journey

Petrokina’s path to elite competition has been marked by significant health challenges. In 2020, she was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a rare and serious blood disorder. This led to a prolonged hospital stay, specialized therapy, and a bone marrow transplant.

Upon returning to the ice, her progress was again hampered by Achilles tendon pain, requiring a second surgery.

Expert Insight: The ability to return to peak athletic performance after a bone marrow transplant and subsequent surgery demonstrates remarkable physical and mental resilience. Overcoming such obstacles often requires an extraordinary level of dedication and a strong support system.

Despite these setbacks, the 21-year-old has earned two European Championship gold medals and now, invaluable Olympic experience.

“As a personality, I have become much stronger, just as I have as an athlete. Now I can write in my Instagram bio that I am an Olympian (laughs). And not just any Olympian, but I am in the top seven, which is really incredible. I am very happy,” she stated.

Petrokina acknowledged needing time to fully process the significance of her Olympic performance, stating, “I think it will take me a few more days to fully answer this question, I need to analyse everything.”

She also admitted to experiencing significant pre-competition stress, describing the moments before her short program as “just horror” (laughs).

A Supportive Competitor

N. Petrokina is also noted for her empathy and support of fellow competitors. She believes in creating a positive environment where all athletes can perform at their best.

“The Olympic Games are always an event where there are no shortages of surprises. We saw what happened in the men’s figure skating competition. I have no rivals, I support every participant,” she explained.

She further revealed that she was deeply moved by the performance of Anastasija Gubanova of Georgia, even shedding tears after witnessing it, describing it as “powerful.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What was N. Petrokina’s final score at the Olympics?

N. Petrokina achieved a total score of 210.82 at the Olympics.

How many European Championship titles does N. Petrokina hold?

N. Petrokina has won two consecutive European Championship titles, in 2025 and 2026.

What significant health challenges has N. Petrokina overcome?

N. Petrokina was diagnosed with aplastic anemia in 2020 and underwent a bone marrow transplant. She also required surgery for Achilles tendon pain.

Considering the athlete’s journey and dedication, what does this Olympic achievement signify for the future of figure skating in Estonia?