Vasiljevs on his Olympic performance: "I think I am alone in this striving"

Deniss Vasiljevs, who became a three-time Olympian in February 2026 in Milan, admitted in an interview with TVNET+ a day after his final Olympic skate that while pride in his achievement is justified, there is also a bitter aftertaste. The 26-year-old from Daugavpils placed 18th, and although his performances received ovations, certain spins and other elements were not fully precise – exactly those that he usually excels at. Vasiljevs immediately acknowledged that there are several reasons for this, including illness.

The interview covered several topics: Vasiljevs' journey to his third Olympics despite health issues; his collaboration with coach Stefano Lambiel and the situation in Champery; the disappointment at the European Championships, which made him feel that "something died"; the influence of American skater Jason Brown; and his future plans. Vasiljevs spoke frankly about his place in figure skating, saying, "I think I am alone in this striving."