Mariia Seniuk Advances to Olympic Free Skate After Strong Short Program
Mariia Seniuk delivered a composed short program to earn a spot in the free skate at the Milano-Cortina Games, overcoming warnings that representing Israel might draw protests and receiving a warm reception from the crowd.
Mariia Seniuk nails short programme and secures free skate berth
Mariia Seniuk, who began her career in Russia before competing for Israel, put together a clean short programme and scored 58. 61 to qualify for the free skate in 22nd place. The result means she advances to the final segment of the competition, where the free skate will decide the medals on Thursday (ET).
Seniuk said she had "received some notifications" and was prepared for the possibility that she might not draw a uniform cheer, but noted she "really enjoyed the atmosphere" and felt the support of the crowd. She carried Israel's flag at the opening ceremony, a moment that drew scattered boos for the country's delegation, and after her skate she expressed gratitude to those who were holding the flag.
Field shapes up: surprise leader and medal contenders ahead of free skate
The short program produced several high-quality performances that reshuffled expectations heading into the free skate. A surprise leader emerged with a season-best short program score of 78. 71, built around a triple Axel that vaulted the skater to the top of the standings. Three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto sat second with 77. 23, while Alysa Liu was third at 76. 59 after a confident, clean skate.
Russian teenager Adeliia Petrosian, competing as a neutral athlete, set an early benchmark with a career-best 72. 89 and ultimately finished in the mix toward the top group. With those results, the podium picture remains open and will be decided by performances in the free skate on Thursday (ET).
Crowd dynamics and security measures at the arena
The arena featured a scattering of Israeli flags, including a very large one, and fans who travelled specifically to support competitors. Organizers said they had taken measures to preserve a neutral, respectful and welcoming environment at the Games, including removing a staff member who had addressed a group of visitors with calls that were not in line with that approach and providing protective measures for some attendees. Spectators who watched the short program described mostly positive interactions and a strong atmosphere during the competition.
Seniuk's qualification marks a notable moment for her and the Israeli team, moving her into the final phase of the Olympic women's singles competition. With the field led by a surprise short-program winner and several top scorers close behind, the free skate will determine the medalists and the final standings.
