Milan: While cheering for fellow South Korean figure skaters in the team event at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics on Friday, Cha Jun-hwan received a healthy dose of positive energy. He wanted to return the favor Saturday in his short program at Milano Ice Skating Arena but couldn't quite deliver, as a failed double axel cost him some valuable points. Cha settled for eighth place among 10 skaters with 83.53 points, some eight points shy of his season best.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Cha expressed his desire to energize his teammates, acknowledging that his mistake hindered that goal. "I wanted to give my teammates energy but I wasn't able to do it because of this little mistake I made," Cha said afterward. "I will try to make up for it in my individual competition." His performance contributed three ranking points to South Korea's team total of 14, resulting in a seventh-place finish after the short programs and rhythm dance, which was insufficient to advance to the final phase, reserved for the top five nations.

Competing at his third Olympics, Cha admitted to feeling a bit of nerves but dismissed the idea that they were responsible for his miscue. "I was curious just how nervous I would be, but it was a good kind of nerves," he explained. "I feel that you absolutely need at least a little bit of nervousness in these competitions. And I don't think I made that mistake because of nerves. It's just that my timing was a little off, and I should be able to skate mistake-free in my individual event."

Cha expressed disappointment at missing his double axels, a rare occurrence in his training sessions. "I was able to execute all the other elements. And I was even better in some areas than in training," he added. "Over the next couple of days, I will keep working on my programs and make any necessary adjustment." The men's short program is scheduled for Tuesday, followed by the free skate on Friday.

Despite the setback, Cha is enjoying his Olympic experience off the ice. Having served as a flag bearer for South Korea at Friday's opening ceremony, it marked the first time he attended an opening ceremony in his three Olympic appearances. "Personally, I really enjoy hanging out with athletes from other sports at the athletes' village," Cha remarked. "We don't get to see them in other competitions. Just sitting around in the lounge area and talking with them has been so much fun."