mariia seniuk advances to Olympic free skate after composed short program in Milan
Russian-born 20-year-old Mariia Seniuk delivered a composed short program at the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics to secure a place in the free skate. Skating in front of a warm crowd at Milan’s Forum di Assago, she posted a 58. 61 and sits 22nd heading into the final segment on Thursday (ET).
Solid skate puts Israeli entrant through to free skate
Seniuk, who began her career in Moscow and has competed for Israel since 2019, executed a clean short program that drew appreciative applause from the arena. The four-time national champion focused on clean elements and performance quality, parlaying steady footwork and presentation into a score that advanced her to the free skate where the medals will be decided on Thursday (ET).
She carried her nation’s flag at the Games’ opening ceremony, an appearance that drew mixed reactions from the stands. Seniuk acknowledged she had received warnings that cheering might be uneven, but said the atmosphere inside the venue felt special and supportive. "I'm skating for Israel, and some of the people don't support [it], but I really enjoyed the atmosphere today... it's very, very special... you can just feel it, " she said. She added that she was grateful for the spectators who held the flag and for the encouragement she felt on the ice.
Field highlights and medal contenders
The short program produced several standout performances. Seventeen-year-old Ami Nakai opened eyes by landing a triple Axel and posted a season-best 78. 71 to take the lead in her Olympic debut. Three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto sat second after the short with 77. 23, while reigning world champion Alysa Liu of the United States put together a confident skate to earn 76. 59 and occupy third heading into the free skate.
Another notable showing came from teenager Adeliia Petrosian, skating as a neutral athlete. Petrosian’s Michael Jackson–themed routine included three clean triple jumps and a career-best 72. 89, keeping her near the top of the leaderboard early on before she ultimately finished fifth and remained in medal contention.
With the top trio separated by just a few points, the free skate on Thursday (ET) shapes up as a tight contest. Several skaters who produced polished short programs will aim to increase technical difficulty and lift their program component scores in the longer segment.
Olympic atmosphere, flags and security measures
A handful of Israeli flags dotted the crowd at the Forum di Assago, including one very large flag that supporters unfurled during the competition. While some teams faced scattered boos at the opening ceremony, the mood in Milan’s arena for the women's short program leaned toward encouragement for the athletes on the ice.
In the wider Games environment, organizers removed a staff member who had addressed a group of visitors with calls of "Free Palestine" and assigned additional protection to those who had been targeted, measures intended to keep the Olympic venues neutral and welcoming. Supporters who had traveled from nearby towns described a generally friendly reception from other spectators and venue staff during the event.
Seniuk now turns her focus fully to the free skate, where she will aim to build on a composed short program and deliver a performance that reflects the progress she has shown since switching federations. With the medals still up for grabs and several skaters capable of big jumps and expressive programs, Thursday’s free skate (ET) promises a dramatic finish to the women’s singles competition.
