Mariia Seniuk: A Rising Star Defies Expectations at the Milano-Cortina Games
Amidst warnings of potential protests, 20-year-old Mariia Seniuk, representing Israel in women’s singles figure skating, delivered a stunning short program at the Milano-Cortina Games, securing her place in the free skate. Seniuk’s journey is remarkable – born in Moscow and initially competing for Russia before switching allegiance to Israel in 2019.
The skater acknowledged receiving notifications about possible negative reactions but expressed her readiness. A four-time national champion, Seniuk was met with a warm reception from the crowd, earning a score of 58.61 and qualifying for the free skate in 22nd place. She proudly carried Israel’s flag during the opening ceremony, where the 10-member team received a mixed response, including scattered boos.
“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,” Seniuk shared. “I felt the support… I’m very, very grateful to everyone, and especially to the people who were holding the flag.”
A Competitive Field and Unexpected Leaders
While Seniuk’s performance was noteworthy, the short program also saw surprising results. Japan’s Ami Nakai unexpectedly took the lead with a season-best score of 78.71, landing a challenging triple Axel in her Olympic debut. Three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto followed closely with 77.23, and American Alysa Liu secured third place with 76.59.
Liu, the reigning world champion, appeared relaxed and confident, leaving the ice with a smile. Having previously retired at age 16 before returning to competition, she emphasized her focus on the experience rather than solely on medals. “A medal? I don’t need a medal,” she stated. “I just need to be here, and I just need to be present, and I need people to see what I do next.”
Neutral Athletes and Political Context
The competition also featured Adeliia Petrosian, a Russian teenager skating as a neutral athlete due to the ban on Russian athletes following the invasion of Ukraine. Petrosian impressed with a Michael Jackson-themed program, setting an early benchmark with a career-best score of 72.89 before being overtaken by Nakai.
Fan Support and Addressing Concerns
The arena was dotted with Israeli flags, including a large one, demonstrating support for Seniuk and the Israeli team. Phyllis and Steven Sheinman, a US couple, travelled from Cortina to show their support, having previously used the flag to support American skeleton racer Jared Firestone. They recounted an incident with a pro-Palestinian shop assistant in Cortina, which gained attention on social media.
Organizers addressed the situation, removing the staff member and providing security for the Sheinmans. Mia Drazin, a 22-year-old who moved to Israel from Canada to work as a medical responder during the Gaza conflict, carried a large Israeli flag into the arena, initially fearing a negative reception. However, she was met with support and encouragement. “I’m Israeli now, I’m tough,” she said, adding that she received numerous positive interactions and heard the phrase “Am Yisrael Chai” (the people of Israel will live on).
Mariia Seniuk’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and the power of sport to transcend political boundaries. Her performance at the Milano-Cortina Games is a testament to her talent and determination.
Source: Jpost.com
