Minerva Fabienne Hase stands as one of the most remarkable figures in contemporary pair skating, embodying resilience, dedication, and artistic excellence. Born on 10 June 1999 in Berlin, Germany, Hase began skating at a young age – a journey that would eventually elevate her to the very heights of international figure skating. Her career has been shaped by significant partnerships, daunting challenges, and major triumphs on skating’s biggest stages, culminating in a historic Olympic bronze medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics and multiple World and European Championship medals.
Early Life and Skating Beginnings
Growing up in Berlin, Hase began skating in 2004, when she was just five years old. The young athlete quickly gravitated toward pair skating – an inherently demanding discipline that marries technical precision with emotional expression. Her early years were spent training under coaches in Germany and learning the fundamentals that would later define her competitive style.
Hase’s natural athleticism, combined with a tireless work ethic, helped her progress through junior ranks and onto the international scene. Her graceful movement on the ice, combined with developing strength in lifts, throws, and other pair elements, foreshadowed the career of a skater destined for greatness.
Partnership with Nolan Seegert: The Formative Years
One of Hase’s first major partnerships was with Nolan Seegert, which began in 2014. Together, they became a formidable team on both national and international stages. Among their notable achievements, Hase and Seegert won medals in Grand Prix and Challenger Series events and claimed the German national title multiple times between 2019 and 2022.
The duo represented Germany at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, but their journey there was marred by challenges. In Beijing, Hase’s partner tested positive for COVID‑19, which significantly disrupted their preparations and ultimately led to a disappointing placement. This experience, while difficult, would become a motivating chapter in Hase’s career – one that set the foundation for her reinvention with a new partner.
A New Partnership with Nikita Volodin
In 2022, Hase formed a new and career‑defining partnership with Nikita Volodin. Originally from Russia, Volodin brought impressive technical skills and a complementary style to Hase’s skating. Under the guidance of coaches such as Dmitri Savin, Knut Schubert, Sidnei Brandão, and Rico Rex, the pair developed into one of the most exciting and successful duos in international pair skating.
Though their beginnings were modest compared to established teams, the partnership quickly gathered momentum. Their progression from national success to European and World podiums reflected a perfect blend of artistic flair and technical expertise.
Volodin’s transition to representing Germany culminated in the granting of German citizenship in 2025, which enabled the duo to compete together at the Olympic level. This milestone was as crucial as any jump or spin — a testament to their commitment not just to one another, but to German figure skating.
Competitive Success: European and World Championships
The pair’s competitive breakthrough came at the 2024 World Championships, where they won the bronze medal — an early signal that Hase and Volodin would become serious contenders at the highest levels. They built on this by winning the European Championship title in 2025, solidifying their status as Europe’s leading pair.
At the 2025 World Championships, Hase and Volodin continued to shine, clinching the silver medal. There, they delivered one of the season’s most emotionally resonant free skates, demonstrating not just technical acumen, but maturity in performance that resonated with both judges and audiences.
Their typical competitive season also featured multiple medals in the ISU Grand Prix series and Challenger Series events, including victories at prominent competitions such as the Finlandia Trophy 2025 and strong placements at Skate Canada International.
Road to the 2026 Winter Olympics
The season leading to the 2026 Olympics in Milano‑Cortina was marked by both confidence and intense pressure. Hase and Volodin entered the Olympic year as one of Germany’s top medal hopes, carrying the weight of national expectations. Early in the Olympic competition, the pair delivered a stunning short program, scoring a personal best of 80.01 points and seizing the lead against many of the world’s best teams.
Their short program performance was lauded for its precision, artistry, and athleticism, captivating audiences and providing a dramatic narrative for the competition. However, the free skate proved to be more challenging. While they skated with passion and determination, several mistakes — including a critical error on a triple Salchow — ultimately kept them off the top step of the podium.
Yet, despite these hurdles, Hase and Volodin secured the bronze medal, becoming Olympic medalists at just their second Olympic Games together. This achievement marked Germany’s first Olympic figure skating medal in eight years, reigniting national interest in the sport and earning Hase a place in German sporting history.
Artistry, Style, and Competitive Character
One of the qualities that distinguishes Minerva Fabienne Hase on the ice is her ability to combine technical strength with artistic expression. Whether performing a choreographically intricate short program or expressing emotional depth in a free skate, Hase’s versatility and performance quality have earned her widespread admiration.
Her programs — often set to evocative and dramatic music — illustrate a willingness to explore narrative richness and emotional range. Audiences often note the chemistry between Hase and Volodin: their lines, timing, and connection resonate with the sport’s ideals of unity and expression.
Challenges and Resilience
Hase’s journey has not been one of uninterrupted success. Her early Olympic experience in 2022 was a painful setback, and adapting to a new partner requires not just technical adjustments, but deep psychological and emotional resilience. Pair skating, perhaps more than any other discipline in figure skating, demands trust — trust in physical ability, communication, and shared purpose. Hase and Volodin’s partnership illustrates this faith in one another, a key factor in their rapid rise.
Moreover, their season of competition ahead of the 2026 Olympics was not entirely smooth — falls, program inconsistencies, and the high stakes of major competitions tested them. Rather than breaking their momentum, however, these challenges seemed to fortify their competitive resolve, preparing them for the sport’s most pressure‑laden environment: the Olympic Games.
Beyond the Medals: Influence and Legacy
Minerva Fabienne Hase’s impact on figure skating reaches beyond her results. In Germany, she has become a role model for young skaters, illustrating how resilience and reinvention can lead to success at the highest levels. Her transition from a disappointing Olympic experience in 2022 to achieving bronze in 2026 is a powerful narrative of perseverance – one that resonates with athletes and fans alike.
Internationally, Hase and Volodin’s performances have contributed to the evolving aesthetics and competitive balance in pair skating. Their programs – technically demanding yet richly expressionistic – have set a standard for how athleticism and artistry can be harmonized. Their presence on the world stage reminds audiences that pair skating, though often dominated by a few powerhouse teams, remains open to new narratives and unexpected medalists.
The Future: What Comes Next for Hase?
At just 26 years old as of 2026, Minerva Fabienne Hase’s competitive career is far from complete. With an Olympic bronze medal already to her name, and a history of World and European medals, she has few limits left.
Looking ahead, fans and commentators anticipate that Hase and Volodin will continue refining their programs and pushing the boundaries of their technical repertoire. Their experience on the sport’s biggest stage – and the confidence of being Olympic medalists – bodes well for future World Championships and potentially for a return at the 2030 Winter Olympics.
Whether they ultimately achieve Olympic gold, sustain their competitive excellence, or inspire the next generation of skaters, Minerva Fabienne Hase’s journey already stands as a testament to the power of persistence, creativity, and passion in the world of sport.
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