Armenian Duo Qualifies for Olympic Pair Skating for First Time Since 2002
In a historic achievement, Armenian skaters Karina Akopova and Nikita Rakhmanin have secured a spot in the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan, marking Armenia’s first Olympic representation in pair skating since 2002.
The pair earned their Olympic berth by clinching a silver medal at the ISU Skate to Milano Figure Skating Qualifier held in Beijing, China. They finished the competition with a score of 186.64 points, narrowly missing gold, which went to China’s Jiaxuan Zhang and Yihang Huang, who scored 191.52 points.
Akopova and Rakhmanin, who have been skating together since 2020, displayed remarkable skill and teamwork throughout the event. Their successful performance has generated excitement among fans and supporters back home in Armenia. The Winter Olympics are set to commence on February 6, 2026, in Milan, where the duo will aim to make their mark on the international stage.