Israeli figure skater Mariia Seniuk qualifies for the free skate with crowd support, as fans report a welcoming atmosphere despite initial fears of hostility.

ISRAELI figure skater Mariia Seniuk advanced to the free skate at the Milano-Cortina Games with crowd support, contrary to warnings her participation might spark protests.

The 20-year-old, born in Moscow, told Reuters she had “received some notifications” and was prepared for a mixed reception.

“I’m skating for Israel and some of the people don’t support (it) but I really enjoyed the atmosphere today,” Seniuk said.

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She added that she felt the support and was “very, very grateful to everyone, and especially to the people who were holding the flag.”

Israeli flags dotted the crowd at Milan’s Forum di Assago arena, including one carried by Mia Drazin.

Drazin, who moved to Israel from Canada during the Gaza war, said she feared hostility when entering with the flag.

“I was like, is someone going to beat me up?” she said.

She reported a positive experience, with people asking for photos and offering supportive greetings instead.

Another flag was held by U.S. couple Phyllis and Steven Sheinman, who had travelled from Cortina.

The Sheinmans were part of a group involved in an exchange with a pro-Palestinian shop assistant that circulated on social media.

Games organisers said they removed the staff member to preserve a neutral environment.

“They removed the person and gave us a bodyguard,” Phyllis Sheinman said.

“Everyone else was just so nice to us, so nice.”

 The Sun Malaysia