Feb 19 • 04:04 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Iltalehti

After-vapors: Russian-origin couple wins medals

A Georgian pair, Anastasia Metelkina and Luka Berulava, won the silver medal in figure skating at the Winter Olympics, marking Georgia's first Olympic medal in its history.

In a historic achievement, the Georgian figure skating pair of Anastasia Metelkina and Luka Berulava secured silver at the Winter Olympics, marking Georgia's first-ever Olympic medal. This victory is a significant milestone for Georgian figure skating, as it is hoped to inspire young children in the country to take up the sport. Berulava articulated the importance of this moment, emphasizing that Georgia has now established sufficient conditions for budding ice skaters.

Luka Berulava, who was born in Moscow in 2002, relayed how his family was forced to leave Georgia during wartime, illustrating the dual wrestling with identity that athletes from conflict zones often face. He highlighted the Georgian language's centrality in his upbringing, showcasing the blend of cultures that enrich their performances on the ice. His partner, Anastasia Metelkina, also hails from a Russian background, having been born in Vladimir in 2005, and previously represented Russia until 2020, further underscoring the complex interplay of nationality and sport.

With this win coming in their first Olympics and only their third season competing together, the duo celebrated their achievement and the potential it holds to elevate the status of figure skating in Georgia. Metelkina expressed joy and pride in their accomplishment, noting that despite the short time they have trained together, the silver medal is an outstanding result, showing promise for the future of figure skating in Georgia.

📡 Similar Coverage