The ongoing 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan has brought excitement and surprises in the pairs figure skating event. The competition features a variety of teams showcasing their skills and striving for the championship.
Current Standings in Pairs Figure Skating
As of February 16, the German pair of Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin leads the tournament with a total score of 80.01 in the short program, positioning themselves as strong contenders for gold. Following closely is the pair from Japan, Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, who scored 231.24 in total, including 158.13 in the free skate. Other notable teams include:
- Spencer Akira Howe and Emily Chan (USA) – 200.31 total
- Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea (USA) – 194.58 total
- Wenjing Sui and Cong Han (China) – 208.64 total
- Anatasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava (Georgia) – 221.75 total
U.S. Teams Struggle for Medal Contention
Team USA faces challenges in securing a podium finish. The last U.S. medal in pairs figure skating was in 1988, resulting in a 38-year medal drought for this discipline at the Olympics. Both teams, Kam and O’Shea, and Howe and Chan, were unable to maintain their early momentum during the free skate.
Key Performances from the Free Skate
Annika Hocke and Robert Kunkel from Germany delivered a breathtaking routine, receiving a season-best score of 126.59. Their flawless execution captivated audiences, earning them a standing ovation. Deanna Stellato-Dudek, who made a remarkable return to competitive skating at age 42, faced difficulties but performed admirably despite earlier injuries.
Additional Highlights and Competitors
Other prominent participants include:
- Sara Conti and Niccolo Macii (Italy) – 203.19 total
- Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud (Canada) – 199.66 total
- Rebecca Ghilardi and Filippo Ambrosini (Italy) – 191.86 total
Top individual performances are essential as the competition progresses toward the final stages. The figures are constantly shifting, making the outcome unpredictable.
The Importance of Pairs Figure Skating
Pairs figure skating captures the essence of teamwork, athleticism, and artistry. Each routine features jumps, spins, and unique combinations, providing an exciting viewing experience. As the events unfold, fans eagerly anticipate who will emerge as champions and earn Olympic medals.
For ongoing coverage, El-Balad provides updates on scores, results, and athlete highlights throughout the games.
