Maria Pavlova and Alexei Sviatchenko step off the gas pedal in Olympic season transformation
Good things come to those who wait, but sometimes no waiting is necessary. Hungarian pairs skaters Maria Pavlova and Alexei Sviatchenko are transforming their identity in the 2025-26 Olympic season, taking charge after a mixed bag of results last year. The duo entered the limelight in their second season, scoring podium finishes in their Grand Prix assignments and claiming impressive fourth places in various championships.
Following a disappointing eighth-place finish at the 2025 World Championships, it was clear that drastic changes were needed. They went back to their training base and started re-creating their figure skating identity. “We noticed a slight stagnation,” Sviatchenko explained, prompting their collaboration with new choreographers and a shift in music.
This season, they have swapped out their high-energy tributes for softer themes filled with deeper messages. For their short program, they selected Michael Jackson’s “Earth Song,” conveying a central message of nature conservation that resonates far beyond the ice. Their visual aesthetic has also taken a minimalist turn, replacing flamboyant costumes with simple burgundy ensembles.
Pavlova describes this venture into softer skating as a newfound appreciation for their craft. “We started appreciating the small things that we wouldn’t have appreciated two seasons ago,” she noted appreciatively, revealing that their partnership has grown significantly stronger through mutual support and understanding.
Meanwhile, Sviatchenko faced personal challenges due to a shoulder injury that limited him during early season competitions, which only intensified his eagerness to perform. When he finally skated again at the Grand Prix de France, it was more than just competition – it was a celebration of resilience. They celebrated achieving personal bests and strong placements in subsequent events, fueling their momentum towards the Olympic Games.
The joy of skating has become contagious for both skaters this season. As they approach Milano Cortina 2026, Pavlova and Sviatchenko are not just aiming for personal success; they strive to inspire a broader audience and elevate the status of figure skating in Hungary.
