Pavel Kovalev: French Pair Skater Competes at Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
MILAN, 15 February 2026 – French figure skater Pavel Kovalev takes to the ice today at the Forum di Milano, representing France in the pairs short program alongside his partner and wife, Camille Kovalev. The duo, who are based in Angers, are making their Olympic debut as a pair under the guidance of 2018 Olympic champion coach Bruno Massot.
Olympic Debut in Milan
The pairs competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics officially commenced this week, with the short program scheduled for today, Sunday 15 February. Pavel Kovalev, 34, and Camille Kovalev, 31, enter the competition following a 10th-place finish at the 2026 European Championships held last month. The couple, who have been married since December 2017, are known for their technical consistency and have been a mainstay of the French national team for several seasons.
Pavel Kovalev, born in St. Petersburg, Russia, moved to France to continue his skating career and gained French citizenship to represent the nation on the international stage. Under the tutelage of Bruno Massot, the Kovalevs have sought to refine their artistic presentation to match their physical strength on the ice.
Athlete Profile: Pavel Kovalev
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pavel Antonovich Kovalev |
| Date of Birth | 4 January 1992 |
| Place of Birth | St. Petersburg, Russia |
| Representing | France |
| Partner | Camille Kovalev (née Mendoza) |
| Coach | Bruno Massot |
| Key Achievement | Two-time ISU Grand Prix Medalist |
Career Trajectory
The Kovalevs’ journey to the 2026 Winter Olympics has been marked by steady progression within the French ranks. They secured French national titles in 2022 and 2023, establishing themselves as the premier pair in the country. While they faced stiff competition at the 2026 European Championships in St. Louis, their selection for the Olympic squad was confirmed following their consistent performances on the ISU Grand Prix circuit over the last two seasons.
The pair previously contributed to the French team’s efforts in the Olympic team event held between 6 and 8 February at the Forum di Milano, where they expressed their ambition to help France secure a team medal before focusing on their individual pairs event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Camille and Pavel Kovalev related?
Camille and Pavel Kovalev are a married couple. They have been married since December 2017. Camille competed under her maiden name, Mendoza, earlier in her career before adopting her husband’s surname.
Where do the Kovalevs train?
The pair is based in France and represents the club in Angers. They are currently coached by Bruno Massot, who won Olympic gold for Germany in 2018 but has since transitioned into a high-performance coaching role in France.
What is Pavel Kovalev’s background?
Pavel was born in Russia in 1992. He moved to France to partner with Camille and subsequently underwent the naturalisation process to represent France in international competitions, including the European Championships, World Championships, and the Winter Olympics.
Is this the same Pavel Kovalev from ‘Strictly Come Dancing’?
No. There is a professional ballroom dancer named Pavel “Pasha” Kovalev (born 1980) who is well-known for his appearances on the British television show Strictly Come Dancing. The Olympic figure skater is a different individual, born in 1992.