Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin Lead Olympic Pairs Short Program
Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin topped the Olympic Pairs Short Program with a remarkable performance. Their skate to “El Abrazo” by Maxime Rodriguez earned them a personal best score of 80.01 points.
Competition Overview
The short program featured strong contenders but Hase and Volodin stood out significantly. Their controlled execution and artistry set a high standard for others.
Second and Third Place Highlights
Following closely were Georgia’s Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava. They secured second place with a score of 75.46 points. Despite a hesitant skate compared to prior performances, their powerful execution continued to showcase their impressive season.
- Skate Performance: Strong yet slightly tentative
- Season Achievement: Maintaining a spot in gold-medal contention
In third place, Canadian champions Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud delivered an emotional rendition of “Say You Love Me” by Jessie Ware. Their performance also resulted in a personal best, marking a significant moment in their breakthrough season.
Notable Entries and Performances
At the age of 42, Deanna Stellato-Dudek made a remarkable comeback to Olympic ice after a 16-year hiatus. Having suffered injuries before their trip to Milan Cortina, their participation was uncertain.
Despite the challenges, they executed a solid routine, though a mishap during a lift element caused an unexpected stumble. This error affected their score, placing them 14th with 66.04 points.
Key Statistics
| Position | Skater(s) | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minerva Hase & Nikita Volodin | 80.01 |
| 2 | Anastasiia Metelkina & Luka Berulava | 75.46 |
| 3 | Lia Pereira & Trennt Michaud | Personal Best |
| 14 | Deanna Stellato-Dudek & Partner | 66.04 |
The Olympic Pairs Short Program showcased thrilling performances, setting the stage for an exciting free skate. Hase and Volodin’s lead exemplifies their dedication and skill, promising an exhilarating competition ahead.
