When Minerva Hase and Nikita Volodin (GER) step onto Olympic ice in Milan next February, it will be the result of months of hard work and a summer filled with progress. 

Right after Worlds, the European Champions created their new Short Program in Canada, trained in Berlin, built their Free Skating in Courmayeur with Benoît Richaud, and joined a camp in the Netherlands with coach Dmitri Savin. 

“You do feel it’s an Olympic season,” Minerva shared. “Practice feels more intense — you want to be perfect. But we’ve stayed focused and kept working.” 

“Miniki,” as fans call them, unveiled their new programs at the German test skates in August, featuring more speed, a level-four triple twist, and a new throw triple flip. 

This season also brought a personal milestone — Nikita officially became a German citizen on August 21, clearing the final hurdle for Olympic eligibility. “It was such a relief,” said Hase. “Now we can fully focus on the Games.” 

Follow them through their summer training journey in this exclusive vlog as they #SkateToMilano and prepare for the biggest stage of all.  

Catch them in action this week at the ISU Grand Prix Skate Canada International!