MILAN-CORTINA D’AMPEZZO – The dream of a medal didn’t quite materialize, but Maria Pavlova and Alexei Sviatchenko delivered a historic performance for Hungary at the 2026 Winter Olympics, finishing fourth in the pairs figure skating competition. Building on a strong short program, the duo achieved a personal best in their free skate, solidifying their place among the world’s elite. The result marks Hungary’s best finish in Olympic pairs skating since 1956, a testament to years of dedication and a rising standard in Hungarian figure skating.
The Hungarian pair’s journey to fourth place was marked by consistent improvement and a peak performance at the most crucial moment. They scored 73.87 points in the short program, a new personal best, placing them fourth heading into the free skate. This was a significant jump from their previous high of 73.32 points, achieved when they won a bronze medal at the European Championships in January, as reported by Telex. Their performance in the short program positioned them well within striking distance of the podium.
A Thrilling Free Skate and a Near Miss
The free skate saw Pavlova and Sviatchenko deliver a flawless performance, captivating the audience at the Forum di Milano. They executed their throws and individual jumps with precision, earning a score of 141.39 points – another personal best. This propelled them into second place temporarily, raising hopes of a potential medal. As Nemzeti Sport detailed, the tension was palpable as they awaited the results of the remaining skaters.
However, the competition remained fierce. The Canadian, Georgian and German pairs still had the opportunity to surpass their score. While the Canadian team struggled with several errors, the Georgian duo managed a strong performance, edging ahead of the Hungarians with a score of 146.29 points. The final hope rested on the German team of Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin, who entered the free skate with a lead from their short program performance.
Japanese Duo Claims Gold, Germans Secure Bronze
Despite a strong start, Hase and Volodin faltered during their free skate, with two errors on their jumps. While their short program score kept them in contention, it wasn’t enough to secure the gold. They ultimately finished with a total score of 219.09, claiming the bronze medal. The gold medal was claimed by Japan’s Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, who delivered a stunning performance, scoring 231.24 points and setting a new world record, according to reports. The Georgian pair took silver.
Pavlova and Sviatchenko finished with a total score of 215.26, a mere 3.83 points behind the German team. While a medal eluded them, their fourth-place finish represents a significant milestone for Hungarian figure skating. It was the closest Hungary has arrive to an Olympic medal in the event since 1956.
A Rising Force in Figure Skating
Pavlova and Sviatchenko have been steadily climbing the ranks in the international figure skating scene for years. Prior to their European Championship bronze in January, they had consistently finished fourth at the World Championships in 2024 and the European Championships in 2024 and 2025. Their recent success, including the bronze medal at the European Championships, as noted by 24.hu, signaled their potential for a strong showing at the Olympics. Their January victory ended a 22-year drought for Hungarian medalists at the European Figure Skating Championships, and marked the first time a Hungarian pair had reached the podium since Marianne Nagy and László Nagy won silver in 1957.
The increasing presence of Russian-born skaters competing for Hungary has been a notable trend in recent years. As previously reported, this has led to some changes within the Hungarian skating landscape, including the decision of junior champion Vivien Papp to compete for another nation.
The fourth-place finish at the Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics is a testament to the dedication and talent of Pavlova and Sviatchenko. While the podium remained just out of reach, their performance has undoubtedly inspired a new generation of Hungarian figure skaters and solidified their place as a force to be reckoned with on the international stage. The pair will now appear ahead to future competitions, aiming to build on this momentum and continue their pursuit of a coveted Olympic medal.
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