Prague – Minerva Hase and Nikita Volodin delivered a stunning performance at the World Figure Skating Championships in Prague on Thursday, securing the gold medal and delivering the first world title for Germany in pairs skating since 2018. The victory comes just five weeks after the duo claimed bronze at the Winter Olympics in Italy, marking a remarkable run of success for the German pair.
The pair totaled 228.33 points, topping the podium after a strong showing in both the short program and the free skate. Their triumph continues a streak of impressive results, including bronze at the 2024 World Championships and silver last year. Eight years ago, Aljona Savchenko and Bruno Massot also brought home gold for Germany, winning in Milan.
Hase and Volodin held a narrow lead after Wednesday’s short program and successfully defended it through a good, though not flawless, free skate. They finished ahead of European champions and Olympic silver medalists Anastasia Metelkina and Luka Berulawa of Georgia, who scored 218.41 points. Canada’s Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud rounded out the podium with a score of 216.09 points. Fellow Germans Annika Hocke and Robert Kunkel also had a strong showing, improving from tenth to seventh place with a total score of 194.11 points.
This World Championship title, alongside their Olympic bronze, represents a career highlight for Hase and Volodin. The Berlin-based duo has yet to announce their plans for the future, stating they will discuss their options after the competition. They’ve been skating together for three and a half years, steadily building a reputation as a consistent force in the sport.
The victory was particularly sweet considering the absence of Japan’s Olympic champions, Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, who opted to skip the event after a demanding season. However, Hase and Volodin remained focused, delivering a performance that showcased their skill and composure. After the short program, where they led by just 0.33 points, Hase remarked that it was “probably our best run, in terms of connection with the audience and with each other within the program,” following a captivating tango performance.
Like at the Olympics, Hase and Volodin were the last pair to seize the ice for the free skate in Prague. This time, they appeared less burdened by nerves, delivering a performance that solidified their position at the top. Whereas not without minor errors – a doubled Salchow by Volodin and a spin-out on Hase’s landing – the overall execution was strong enough to secure the win.
The win also marks a historic moment for Georgia, as Metelkina and Berulawa earned their nation’s first-ever medal at the World Figure Skating Championships. Metelkina expressed relief that the challenging season was over, acknowledging the physical and mental toll it had taken. “It was such a hard season. We are so tired,” she said, according to the International Skating Union (ISU).
For Hase and Volodin, the gold medal is a testament to their dedication and partnership. Their ability to perform under pressure, coupled with their artistic expression, has captivated audiences and earned them a place among the elite in pairs skating. The future remains uncertain, but their recent successes suggest a bright path ahead, whether they continue to compete together or pursue individual endeavors.
The German pair’s journey to the top has been marked by consistent improvement and a growing connection with their audience. Their performance in Prague not only secured a world title but also cemented their status as a leading force in the world of figure skating. The victory is a source of national pride for Germany and a promising sign for the future of the sport.
As the season concludes, the figure skating world now turns its attention to the future. The next major event on the calendar is the announcement of team selections for upcoming competitions, and fans will be eager to see if Hase and Volodin continue their partnership and build on their recent success. For now, however, they can savor the moment and celebrate their well-deserved World Championship title.
