2026 Olympics Team Event: Pairs' Free Skate

[snowflake]

Judges have a habitat of overscoring the rightful winners to make the result clear especially in the Olympics. But, it was a good program just not their best artistically.

hmm might be true... and there have already been a lot of seasons best

 

[lariko]

my perception : Luka has had issues with his turns so many times during the season that this is now a concern for everyone. this is why they are rambling about it non-stop. just like people are rambling non-stop about Ellie's throws... or Marco's twizzles

when something goes badly consistently, commentators pick up on it.

They. Should. Shut. The. Eff. Up.

And NOT LIE!

 

[elektra blue]

flush twice to make sure rinky and my predictions stay down there

we're overfeeding it, i have aunt Rosalia on the job

 

[Mathman]

Outstanding competition. Pair skating is alive and well.

 

[Ziotic]

I’m so proud of P/M. They really held their own having not been slated to also do the SP.

 

[Zora]

For me the biggest problem is their program is always two different parts - they aye slow and not emotive in the first part when they do all the jumps and they are splendid in the second half (and much faster). Composition should reflect that.

I feel like PCS should be scored after every minute and the final result would be the mean value... I think many programs are very unimpressive in the first half or even first three quarters and then the music completely changes and they act all excited and the crowd and the judges are excited and everyone's forgetting about the boring first part...

 

[NanaPat]

the old biddies is one of the most respected Pairs choreographer (pairs skater herself) Sandra Bezic.... Brenda Irving is just the host... not commenting on the performance but on how Russian they actually are

I think the other biddie is Carole Lane.

 

[4everchan]

trennt is crying ... gosh I love him

 

[4everchan]

I think the other biddie is Carole Lane. The other b word, on the other hand, belongs to someone else.

carol is not there yet.

 

[YuBluByMe]

That was an amazing pairs competition and a lot closer between the other four teams than expected.

 

[ladyjane]

What a lovely pairs competition. Everyone doing so well. Elly landing all her throws, Lia and Trennt the best I have ever seen them, Sara en Niccolo so wonderful to watch, Anastasiia and Luka also skating their best and Miura and Kihara also doing a great programme. I realise it's the Team Event, but wouldn't it be great if they all skate so well in the Pairs event? Then the points will count for themselves. But it is so nice to see everyone skating their best.

 

[Magill]

I'm so so so happy for RR. A great performance and a huge but fully deserved score!!! Held off the pressure so well and can now relax to see what colour their team medal will be, and then move on into the individual event with a huge confidence boost!
She literally fell of the bench when she saw their score, lol!!!

 

[Skating91]

The Japanese throws are so small compared to the Georgians. Made mistakes too.

 

[CoyoteChris]

I'm so so so happy for RR. A great performance and a huge but fully deserved score!!! Held off the pressure so well and can now relax to see what colour their team medal will be, and then move on into the individual event with a huge confidence boost!
She literally fell of the bench when she saw their score, lol!!!

Unfortunately, a Tara Lipinski commercial was substituted for the scores on my feed.

 

[snowflake]

Unfortunately, a Tara Lipinski commercial was substituted for the scores on my feed.

rude, what did Tara want you to buy?

 

[discodisco]

Compared how they never shut up during Georgians' skate and went down on Berulava forever before he even hoisted Metelkina like they wanted them to fall, jinx them... just

The commentators did what they’re supposed to do: point out strengths and weaknesses. The Canadian commentators rightly praised the Georgian female skater’s jumps, throws, skating quality, and reliability, and it was fair to point out the obvious weaknesses in her partner’s skating. He is clearly the weakest male skater in the field for pair elements, and without her he would not have the same success. This was also not one of their stronger performances—they looked disconnected from the music and each other and had several small trips and stumbles.

Sandra, while not a commentator I enjoy, is well-qualified to speak about choreography and overall structure and often sees the bigger picture. I think some of the reaction comes from what we’re now used to: safer, more positive commentary from people like Mark Hanretty (who is actually my favorite commentator of all time) and Ted Barton, especially through their work with junior skaters.
Commentary in the 90s and earlier was far more direct. Scott Hamilton openly commented on skaters’ conditioning, Barb Underhill frequently criticized choreography, costuming, music choice, and technique, and Dick Button and Peggy Fleming were famously blunt—often disagreeing with judges, calling out missed calls, and even arguing on air.

Today, commentators almost never ditectly challenge a rotation call or a placement result other than saying well that was a bit generous or something like that. Back in the day Barb Underhill would have had no problem pointing out flaws, errors, and just things that she disagreed with. Sandra comes from that older school. I don’t like her style, and she may have been harsh on the Georgians today, but I appreciate that she didn’t sugarcoat real weaknesses.

 

[CoyoteChris]

Outstanding competition. Pair skating is alive and well.

And yet, I still miss says of yore....when they accidently put me in the Photog's section.

 

[Magill]

Unfortunately, a Tara Lipinski commercial was substituted for the scores on my feed.

Here you go

 

[CoyoteChris]

rude, what did Tara want you to buy?

Hit the mute button and walked away!

 

[CoyoteChris]

Here you go

Thank you for your courtesy!