Winter Olympics 2026: Germany’s Hase/Volodin are the favorites with a breathtaking personal best in the pairs short program.
The German duo delivered an impressive score of 80.01 in their Olympic debut on Sunday evening at the Milano Ice Skating Arena. This means they now have a commanding lead of five points before the free skate on Monday.
Olympic debutants shock the figure skating world
Hase/Volodin stunned the favorites with their flawless execution. While skating to “El Abrazo,” the two hit every technical element with precision. They beat the heavily favored Japanese champions by almost seven points. With a score of 80.01, they beat their previous record by three full points.
“We’re just happy that we did a good job today,” said Hase afterwards. “The first time we did 80, it was a little dream of mine.”
Favorites falter under Olympic pressure
The Pairs competition of the 2026 Winter Olympics gave in shocking results. World champions Miura Riku and Kihara Ryuichi made a critical mistake during the Axel Lasso lift. They scored 73.11 points and finished in fifth place.
“We’ll be back. I guarantee it,” Kihara said after the disappointing skate.
European champions Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava are in second place with 75.46 points. Canadians Lia Pereira and Streitt Michaud took third place with 74.60 points.
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Current status after the short program
|
position |
Couple |
country |
Score |
|
1 |
Hare/Volodin |
Germany |
80.01 |
|
2 |
Metelkina/Berulava |
Georgia |
75.46 |
|
3 |
Pereira/Michaud |
Canada |
74.60 |
|
4 |
Mule/Kihara |
Japan |
73.11 |
|
5 |
Sui/Han |
China |
72.66 |
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What can be seen at the free skate on Monday
The 2026 Winter Olympics pairs free skate begins Monday at 2:00 p.m. ET. Hase/Volodin have to defend their lead against hungry competitors. Miura/Kihara will walk to the “Gladiator” music and hope for a remarkable comeback.
Heartbreak and triumph on Olympic ice
Home favorites Sara Conti and Niccolò Macii scored 71.70 points to the cheers of the Italian crowd. 42-year-old Deanna Stellato-Dudek finally achieved her Olympic dream, although a fall dropped the Canadians to 14th place.
The best 16 couples reached the free skate on Monday. Three teams saw their Olympic dreams come to an end on Sunday evening.
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Here’s how to watch
The 2026 Winter Olympics pairs free skate will air live on USA Network on Monday at 2 p.m. ET. All events will be broadcast live on Peacock and NBCOlympics.com.
Sources:
This report is based on official results from the Olympic Information Service and NBC Olympic coverage.
Follow Live Updates: NBC Olympics Figure Skating Headquarters
Official Olympic results: Olympics.com Milan Cortina 2026
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