2026 Winter Olympics: Figure Skating Pairs Schedule & How to Watch

As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina approach, the pairs figure skating competition is shaping up to be a compelling contest. Several teams are emerging as strong contenders, though recent challenges suggest the path to gold will be hard-fought.

Injury Concerns and Top Contenders

Despite a track record that positions them as favourites, the Japanese duo of Miura and Kihara have faced setbacks. A lower-back injury hampered Kihara during the 2023-24 campaign, and Miura has dealt with multiple dislocated left shoulders, most recently at the Japan nationals in late December.

Did You Know? Deanna Stellato-Dudek was granted Canadian citizenship two years ago, paving the way for her participation in the Games.

Rising Threats

Sun and Han are proving to be a formidable force, securing a second-place finish at the Four Continents Championships and reaching the podium in all four of their competitions this season. Their performance suggests they could challenge Miura and Kihara if they’ve fully recovered from any recent challenges.

European Challengers

Germany’s Minerva Fabienne Hase/Nikita Volodin and Anastasiia Metelkina/Luka Berulava of Georgia are also poised to compete for medals. Both teams have secured a Grand Prix title during the current Olympic campaign, with Hase and Volodin adding a bronze medal at the Final to their achievements.

Expert Insight: The presence of multiple teams with Grand Prix titles indicates a highly competitive field, where consistent performance throughout the season will be crucial for success at the Olympics.

Canadian Prospects

All eyes will be on former world champion Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps. However, their recent performance – a sixth-place finish out of six at the Final – raises questions about their current form. It remains to be seen how they will perform in their first Olympic Games.

Frequently Asked Questions

What challenges have Miura and Kihara faced?

Miura has dealt with a dislocated left shoulder on more than one occasion, and Kihara experienced a lower-back injury during the 2023-24 campaign.

Which teams have won Grand Prix titles?

Germany’s Minerva Fabienne Hase/Nikita Volodin and Anastasiia Metelkina/Luka Berulava of Georgia have both won a Grand Prix title in the Olympic campaign.

How did Stellato-Dudek become eligible to compete for Canada?

Deanna Stellato-Dudek was granted Canadian citizenship two years ago.

With several teams demonstrating strong potential, the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics promises a thrilling pairs figure skating competition – but which team will ultimately rise to the occasion?