MILAN, Italy — Georgian figure skating star Anastasiia Gubanova continues to captivate audiences at the 2026 Winter Olympics, delivering a standout performance during the team event on Sunday, February 08, 2026. The 2023 European Champion and multi-time medalist has become a viral sensation in Milan, blending technical precision with a unique artistic flair that has set her apart on the world stage.
Olympic Performance and Viral “Bollywood” Moment
During the Olympic team event segments held this week, Gubanova posted a solid 67.79 total segment score, contributing vital points for Georgia. However, it was her creative choice of music that sparked international headlines. Gubanova performed a lively, Indian-themed program featuring popular Bollywood songs, a routine that has since gone viral across social media platforms for its “full Hindu vibes” and innovative choreography.
The performance earned her a technical elements score of 35.24 and a program components score of 32.55, keeping her in close contention with top-tier skaters like Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto and Team USA’s Amber Glenn.
A Consistent Force in European Skating
Gubanova’s journey to the 2026 Winter Olympics follows a period of sustained excellence in the European circuit. After making history as the first Georgian woman to win a European title in 2023, she has remained a podium fixture:
- 2023: European Gold Medalist (Espoo, Finland)
- 2024: European Silver Medalist (Kaunas, Lithuania)
- 2025: European Silver Medalist (Tallinn, Estonia)
- 2026: Fifth Place at European Championships (January 2026)
In the lead-up to the Milan games, Gubanova demonstrated her resilience at the 2026 European Championships in January. Despite finishing fifth overall, she delivered the highest-scoring free skate of the day, proving she possesses the “big game” temperament required for the Olympic stage.
Personal Life and Background
Born on December 2, 2002, in Tolyatti, Russia, the 23-year-old skater represents Georgia internationally. Standing at 5′ 2″, she is known for her polished “basics” and sophisticated skating style. Off the ice, Gubanova reached a personal milestone recently, marrying Roman Galay on July 26, 2024.
What’s Next for Gubanova in Milan?
As the individual women’s singles competition approaches, analysts are watching Gubanova closely. While she faces stiff competition from world-class skaters, her ability to rebound from disappointing segments with personal best scores makes her a “dark horse” for the podium. Her recent scores of over 190 points in fall competitions suggest she is in peak physical form for the remainder of the 2026 Winter Games.
Stay tuned to USA Daily for live results and updates from the 2026 Winter Olympics figure skating events.