In a thrilling display of athleticism and artistry, Lithuanian ice dance duo Allison Reed and Saulius Ambrulevicius have taken the lead in the 2025 ISU Skate to Milano Figure Skating Qualifier. After a stunning rhythm dance performance in Beijing, they’ve placed themselves as frontrunners for one of the coveted Olympic quotas at the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Games.
“If you look at what it means for our journey, this is a stepping stone,” Reed stated. Their commanding score of 80.95 points showcases the mental readiness and physical preparation they’ve honed over countless hours on the ice. It’s their third competition of the season, a crucial factor as many of their rivals are just beginning their campaigns.
With grasping emotional control at the forefront, Ambrulevicius reflected, “Our bodies were in tune… it was just more focus on controlling our emotions.” Such determination to express their artistry while maintaining discipline evident in their performance emphasizes why they’re favorites moving forward.
Moving past a letdown at the 2025 ISU World Figure Skating Championships, where both Reed/Ambrulevicius and Australia’s Holly Harris and Jason Chan narrowly missed Olympic qualification, they’ve transformed disappointment into motivation. Reflecting on missed Olympic aspirations, Harris observed, “I was so close and it’s gut-wrenching… my only choice is to work my butt off.” Harris and Chan, earning 73.35 points, have also revamped their rhythm dance with 1990s music, showcasing adaptability in the face of challenges.
With less than a few points separating them from further competitors, including Sweden’s Milla Ruud Reitan and Nikolaj Majorov in third place with 69.30 points, the race for those four Olympic spots is heating up. Other contenders, like Spain’s Sofia Val and Asaf Kazimov, and Hungary’s Mariia Ignateva and Danijil Szemko, remain hot on their heels.
As the excitement builds for the final Olympic qualifier in Beijing, the resilience and passion displayed by these skaters ensure that the journey will be anything but ordinary. Each performance will undoubtedly contribute to an unforgettable saga in professional figure skating.
