Lithuanian Ice Dancers Shine at the Olympics, Securing a Finalist Spot
Milano-Cortina, Italy – Lithuanian ice dancers Saulius Ambrulevičius and Allison Reed have captivated audiences at the 2026 Winter Olympics, achieving a remarkable seventh-place finish in the rhythm dance and securing a coveted spot in the final round. Their performance, set to “I’m Too Sexy” by Right Said Fred, earned them a score of 82.95, a near-personal best.
A Journey to Olympic Glory
The pair’s journey to the Olympics has been marked by dedication and perseverance. They initially qualified for the 2022 Winter Olympics, but were unable to participate due to Allison Reed not yet possessing Lithuanian citizenship. After years of effort, Reed was granted citizenship in late 2024, paving the way for their debut in Milan.
Ambrulevičius and Reed have been skating together since 2017, consistently improving their skills and representing Lithuania on the international stage. Their bronze medal win at the 2024 European Championships in Kaunas was a historic moment for Lithuanian figure skating, ending an 18-year medal drought.
Strong Competition and Future Prospects
The rhythm dance competition was fierce, with French duo Laurence Fournier-Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron leading the pack with a score of 90.18. Americans Madison Chock and Evan Bates (89.72) and Canadians Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier (86.18) rounded out the top three.
Ambrulevičius and Reed will compete in the free dance program on Wednesday, where the top 20 pairs will vie for Olympic medals. They are currently ranked 14th for the free dance, presenting a challenging but achievable opportunity to climb the ranks.
Lithuania’s Olympic Presence
The Lithuanian team at the 2026 Winter Olympics consists of 17 athletes, including Meda Variakojytė, who is making her Olympic debut in women’s singles figure skating. This marks the first time Lithuania has been represented in this event.
Historically, Lithuania’s best result in ice dancing at the Olympics came from Margarita Drobiazko and Povilas Vanagas, who finished fifth at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games.
The Road Ahead for Lithuanian Figure Skating
The success of Ambrulevičius and Reed is inspiring a new generation of figure skaters in Lithuania. Their dedication and achievements are raising the profile of the sport and attracting more young people to take up the ice.
The pair’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of national support for athletes. Their performance at the Olympics is not only a source of pride for Lithuania but also a symbol of hope for the future of the sport.
FAQ
Q: What score did Ambrulevičius and Reed receive in the rhythm dance?
A: They received a score of 82.95.
Q: What place did they finish in the rhythm dance?
A: They finished in seventh place.
Q: When is the free dance competition?
A: The free dance competition is on Wednesday, starting at 20:30 Lithuanian time.
Q: Has Lithuania had success in ice dancing at the Olympics before?
A: Margarita Drobiazko and Povilas Vanagas finished fifth at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games, which is Lithuania’s best result in the event.
Q: What is the Lithuanian Olympic team size for 2026?
A: The Lithuanian Olympic team consists of 17 athletes.
Did you know? This is the first time Lithuania has been represented in women’s singles figure skating at the Winter Olympics.
Stay tuned for updates on Ambrulevičius and Reed’s performance in the free dance! Explore more Olympic coverage on our Sports section.
