Milan, Italy – Switzerland’s Kimmy Repond and Livia Kaiser both advanced to the free skate at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, though they face an uphill battle after finishing 21st and 23rd respectively in Thursday’s short program. The pair represent a milestone for Swiss figure skating, marking the first time since 1984, when Sandra Cariboni and Myriam Oberwiler competed in Sarajevo, that two Swiss women have participated in the Olympic singles event.
Repond, 19, delivered a solid performance, earning 59.20 points. While a respectable score, it fell slightly short of her 59.28 points achieved at the European Championships in January, and significantly below her personal best of 68.68 points set at the 2023 European Championships. Kaiser, 21, struggled with a fall during her routine, resulting in point deductions and a score of 55.69, barely securing her place in the next round.
Keystone
A Difficult Road to Milan
Both skaters overcame significant challenges in their preparation for the Games. Repond faced a prolonged battle with foot problems, which at one point threatened to require surgery. “If I’d had this operation in December, I don’t know if I’d be here now,” Repond told Keystone-SDA just days before her Olympic debut. She ultimately made her competitive return at the European Championships in Sheffield in January after an eight-month absence. Kaiser, meanwhile, suffered a calf injury in training a year ago and endured a lengthy recovery process.
Japanese Skaters Lead the Pack
Heading into Thursday’s free skate, the competition is led by 17-year-old Ami Nakai of Japan, who scored 78.71 in the short program. She is closely followed by compatriot Kaori Sakamoto (77.23) and American Alysa Liu (76.59). The top 24 skaters will compete in the free skate, where the final standings will be determined.
A Historic Moment for Swiss Figure Skating
The participation of both Repond and Kaiser represents a significant moment for Swiss figure skating. It’s the first time the nation has been represented by two women in the Olympic singles competition since 1984, when Sandra Cariboni and Myriam Oberwiler competed at the Sarajevo Games. This achievement underscores the growing strength of the sport in Switzerland, despite the obstacles faced by its athletes.
Repond’s comeback from injury is particularly noteworthy. Her ability to return to elite competition after such a lengthy layoff demonstrates her resilience and determination. She aims for a top-10 finish in the Games, a goal that will require a strong performance in the free skate.
Looking Ahead to the Free Skate
The free skate on Thursday will be a crucial test for both Swiss skaters. While a podium finish may be out of reach, a strong performance could significantly improve their overall ranking and provide valuable experience for future competitions. The skaters will necessitate to deliver clean, technically demanding programs to close the gap with the leaders.
The Olympic Winter Games continue in Milan, with the women’s figure skating free skate scheduled for Thursday. Updates and full results can be found on the official Olympic website: https://olympics.com/.
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