Georgian Figure Skaters Achieve Flawless Victory with Mortal Kombat Routine at Winter Olympics
In a stunning fusion of athleticism and pop culture, Georgian figure skaters Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava delivered a flawless victory at the Winter Olympics in Milan with a routine inspired by the iconic video game Mortal Kombat. The performance took place during the Exhibition Gala on Saturday, February 21, 2026, showcasing a creative departure from traditional skating programs.
Historic Silver Medal Sets the Stage for Creative Expression
Just days before their memorable exhibition, Metelkina and Berulava made history for Georgia by winning a silver medal in the figure skating pairs event on Monday. This marked Georgia's first-ever Winter Olympic medal, a significant achievement that paved the way for their lighthearted Mortal Kombat tribute. The Exhibition Gala, which has no judges or medals, allowed the duo to flex their creative muscles in an entertaining and unconventional manner.
Mortal Kombat Comes to Life on Ice
The routine began with a playful scene where Berulava suggested playing video games to Metelkina, offering to teach her how to play. This triggered a dramatic reveal of their costumes as Sub-Zero and Kitana, characters from the Mortal Kombat franchise, set to the song Techno Syndrome from the 1995 Mortal Kombat movie. The skaters expertly emulated the game's signature moves, including the dazed stance before a Fatality finishing move.
In a family-friendly twist, they opted for a Friendship finisher instead of the game's typical gory conclusions, seamlessly transitioning into a second spin on the ice to Spandau Ballet's True. The routine concluded with Berulava dropping to the floor as the classic Mortal Kombat voiceover shouted, Flawless victory, much to the delight of the audience and commentators alike.
Video Games and Olympic Crossovers
While video games have permeated the Olympics through esports tournaments, their influence in other events remains rare. The BBC commentator provided a brief background on the Friendship moves in Mortal Kombat, highlighting the unique crossover. This isn't the first time gaming culture has appeared at the Olympics; music from Final Fantasy and Sonic The Hedgehog was featured during the opening ceremony of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.
The performance by Metelkina and Berulava underscores a growing trend of blending digital entertainment with traditional sports, offering a fresh and engaging experience for global audiences. Their routine not only celebrated Georgia's historic medal win but also demonstrated the potential for creativity and fun in Olympic exhibitions.
