MILAN, Italy — In a historic performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics, Georgian pair skater Luka Berulava and partner Anastasiia Metelkina have positioned themselves on the brink of a monumental achievement. On Sunday, February 15, 2026, the duo secured second place in the pairs short program, keeping Georgia’s hopes alive for its first-ever Olympic medal in figure skating.
Olympic Breakthrough in Milan
Performing to the iconic “Boléro,” Berulava and Metelkina delivered a high-stakes routine that earned a total segment score of 75.46. Despite a minor error on their throw triple flip, the pair showcased elite technical prowess, including synchronized side-by-side triple Salchows and a level-four triple twist lift. They currently trail the German leaders, Minerva Hase and Nikita Volodin, who posted a score of 80.01.
The Georgian pair holds a narrow lead over Canada’s Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud (74.60), setting the stage for a dramatic Free Skate final. “The battle is on for gold,” noted ISU officials following the session, highlighting the tight margins between the top three contenders.
Who is Luka Berulava?
Born on November 27, 2002, in Moscow to Georgian parents who fled conflict, Berulava has become the face of Georgia’s rising prominence in winter sports. Though he trains internationally, he remains deeply connected to his heritage, spending off-seasons in Tbilisi and serving as the nation’s flag bearer during the Olympic opening ceremony.
Berulava’s career has been marked by rapid ascent and strategic partnerships:
- Early Success: Won bronze at the 2021 CS Nebelhorn Trophy.
- European Dominance: A three-time European Championship medalist and 2026 European silver medalist.
- Grand Prix Excellence: Secured gold at the Cup of China and bronze at the 2024–25 Grand Prix Final.
The Road to History
Earlier in these Games, Berulava helped lead Team Georgia to a fourth-place finish in the team event, the country’s best-ever result. Now, the focus shifts entirely to the individual pairs podium. If Berulava and Metelkina maintain their position during the Free Skate, they will secure Georgia’s first-ever Olympic figure skating medal, a feat that would cement Berulava’s legacy as a national hero.
Critics have occasionally pointed to Berulava’s “wobbly” moments in high-pressure situations, but his performance on Sunday demonstrated a newfound maturity and technical consistency. As the 2025–26 figure skating season reaches its pinnacle in Milan, all eyes remain on the 23-year-old as he chases Olympic immortality.
The Pairs Free Skate is scheduled to conclude the competition, where the final medal standings will be determined.