Luka Berulava Secures Historic Olympic Silver for Georgia
London, 16 February 2026 – Georgian pair skater Luka Berulava has made history at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, securing Georgia’s first-ever Olympic medal in figure skating. Alongside partner Anastasiia Metelkina, Berulava claimed the silver medal following a high-stakes Free Skate at the Milano Figure Skating Arena. The result cements Berulava’s status as one of the most successful athletes in Georgian winter sports history.
Olympic Performance and Results
Entering the Free Skate on 16 February 2026, Metelkina and Berulava sat in second place following a Short Programme score of 75.46. Despite a minor error on their throw triple flip during the initial segment, the pair delivered a poignant performance to the score of Gladiator in the final. They finished the competition with a total combined score of 221.75.
The gold medal was won by Japan’s Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, who set a world-record score in the Free Skate to overtake the field. The German pair of Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin, who led after the Short Programme, ultimately fell to third place to take the bronze.
Career Background
Born in Moscow on 27 November 2002, Luka Berulava represents Georgia, the nation of his parents. He has enjoyed a prolific career on the junior circuit, becoming a three-time World Junior Champion. He first won the title in 2022 with former partner Karina Safina, before achieving back-to-back titles with Anastasiia Metelkina in 2024 and 2025. The pair also secured Georgia’s first-ever European title in Pairs skating earlier in the 2025–26 season.
Key Facts: Luka Berulava
The following table outlines the career milestones and profile of the Olympic silver medallist as of February 2026.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Luka Berulava |
| Date of Birth | 27 November 2002 |
| Representing | Georgia |
| Current Partner | Anastasiia Metelkina |
| Olympic Medal | Silver (Milano Cortina 2026) |
| Major Titles | European Champion (2026), World Junior Champion (2022, 2024, 2025) |
| Olympic Role | Flagbearer for Georgia |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Luka Berulava’s nationality?
Luka Berulava was born in Russia but is of Georgian descent and represents Georgia in international competition. He has served as the nation’s flagbearer at the Olympic Games.
Who is Luka Berulava’s skating partner?
His current partner is Anastasiia Metelkina. He previously competed with Karina Safina, with whom he won the 2022 World Junior Championship and competed in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
Did Luka Berulava win a medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Yes, he won the silver medal in the Pairs Figure Skating event on 16 February 2026, marking the first time Georgia has ever medalled in figure skating at the Olympic Games.