2026 Winter Olympics Figure Skating Pair Free Skating Preview

Last Updated on February 16, 2026 2:40 pm by Erwin Noguera

The pairs free skate at the 2026 Winter Olympics is one of the most anticipated moments of the Winter Games, where athleticism, artistry, and technical precision converge on the ice to decide Olympic medals.

Held on February 16 at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, this event follows the short program and features the top 16 pairs advancing after strong early performances. Competing teams will perform their long programs with lifts, throw jumps, side-by-side triples, and death spirals. All elements that test their strength and harmony under pressure.

In the short program earlier in the week, Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin of Germany posted a season-best score of 80.01 points, giving them the early lead and momentum going into the free skate. Trailing them were Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava of Georgia and Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud, who sit second and third, respectively, after clean initial performances.

This free skate will be critical, as many top pairs known for stronger free programs than short programs, especially among the Americans and Canadians, can move up significantly in the standings with clean, technically challenging routines.

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2026 Winter Olympics Figure Skating Info

2026 Winter Olympics Figure Skating Top Contenders

Germany – Hase and Volodin

Miverva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin arrive as frontrunners after maximizing both technical and component scores in the short program. Their lead gives them a psychological edge, and with a high-quality free skate that includes well-executed throw triple flips and side-by-side triple jumps, they’re in a strong position to contend for gold.

Georgia – Metelkina and Berulava

Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava have steadily improved their international results. After placing second in the short, this Georgian duo has an opportunity to make a major mark with a memorable free skate—especially if they can clean up the landing sequences that were slightly tentative.

Canada – Pereira and Michaud

Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud delivered emotional and technically solid programs in the short event, landing themselves in podium contention. Their free skate must be both clean and ambitious, showcasing strong unison and well-timed elements to challenge the Germans and Georgians.

Japan – Miura and Kihara

Two-time world champions Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara entered the short program in fifth place after a lift error but remain medal threats. Their Free skate, especially with powerful throw jumps and intricate lifts set to thematic music, could vault them into podium contention if executed cleanly.

Dark Horses and Notable Entries

United States – Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea posted a personal best in the team event and earlier free skate, and they have the potential to move up if they deliver a mistake-free program under pressure.

Italy – Sara Conti and Niccolo Macii have strong home support and were in the top 10 after the short, placing additional pressure on the favorites while shaping their Olympic moment.

China- Sui Wenjing and Han Cong (returning Olympic Champions) looked to regroup mid-competition and have the elements and experience needed to threaten the medals if they stabilize their free skate content.

2026 Winter Olympics Figure Skating Podium Pick