Katarina Witt: Gold Is a 'Must' for German Ice Dance Duo

A Legend's Blessing for the Next Generation

In the world of figure skating, few voices carry as much weight as that of Katarina Witt. The two-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time world champion is not just a name from the past; she is a symbol of German excellence on the ice. Recently, the legendary 59-year-old offered her full-throated support to the country's current hope for glory, the dynamic ice dance pair Minerva-Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin, ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Speaking at a Berlin event, Witt left no doubt about her confidence in the Berlin-based duo. "Sie zählen zu den Favoriten," she stated, translating to "They are among the favorites." This endorsement from one of the sport's all-time greats places Hase and Volodin firmly in the spotlight as they prepare for the Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.

The Berlin Pair on the Rise

Hase and Volodin have proven their mettle at the highest level, establishing themselves as a formidable force in international ice dance. Since beginning their partnership in the spring of 2023, their chemistry on the ice has been nothing short of remarkable. They capped off a stellar 2024-2025 season by claiming the European Championship title and earning a hard-fought silver medal at the World Championships in Boston.

It is this very performance that has Witt so excited. The pair's status as the reigning European and Vice-World Champions makes them the primary medal contenders for the German Eislauf Union (DEU). "Mit einem zweiten Platz bei den Weltmeisterschaften gehst du natürlich mit der eigenen Erwartung in die Olympischen Spiele, um Gold zu kämpfen. Das ist ganz klar," Witt noted, reinforcing the duo's own ambitions.

"Sie gehören auf jeden Fall zu den Favoriten. Eine Medaille ist ein Muss. Vor allem sind sie menschlich, haben beide ein ganz großes Herz und auch ein großes Kämpferherz."

— Katarina Witt

The Psychological Advantage of Silver

While a silver medal at the World Championships might feel like a missed opportunity for some, Witt sees it as a strategic advantage for Hase and Volodin. "Es war vielleicht ganz gut für sie, sie haben nicht die Bürde des Titels," she explained, suggesting that the duo will enter the Olympics without the immense pressure of being the reigning world champions.

This "burden of the title" has been a well-documented challenge for many athletes. By coming up just short in Boston, Hase and Volodin have been positioned as the hungry challengers, ready to dethrone the current leaders. Witt believes this underdog mentality, combined with their proven skill, makes them incredibly dangerous competitors.

A Nation's Hinges on One Pair

The stakes are particularly high for the German team at the upcoming Olympics. For the first time since 2002, Germany will not have any representatives in the figure skating singles events. This places the entire weight of national expectation squarely on the shoulders of Hase and Volodin. They are not just skating for themselves; they are skating for German figure skating.

Witt acknowledges this pressure but also sees the positive side. "Deswegen hoffe ich einfach, dass sie eine tolle Performance hinlegen," she said, expressing her hope that they will deliver a spectacular performance. Her own experiences as an Olympic champion, having won gold in Sarajevo (1984) and Calgary (1988), give her a unique perspective on the kind of mental fortitude required to succeed on the biggest stage.

Witt also praised the duo's resilience, pointing to their recent small mistakes, such as a stumble during the Grand Prix in Canada, as valuable learning experiences. "Ich finde das wichtig, dass man in der Vorbereitung auch so eine kleine Achterbahn mitmacht," she said, emphasizing the importance of overcoming adversity in the lead-up to the Games.

With Katarina Witt's full confidence behind them, Minerva-Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin are not just participants in the 2026 Olympics; they are contenders. Their combination of technical skill, artistic interpretation, and fighting spirit makes them a pair to watch. The ice in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo awaits the German duo as they aim to make Witt's prediction a reality.