Olympic skaters Metelkina and Berulava perform Mortal Kombat 'Headbanger' lift

During the Winter Olympics Exhibition Gala, the silver medal–winning pair from Georgia, Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava, took to the ice dressed as Mortal Kombat's Kitana and Sub-Zero and ended their routine with the competition-illegal 'Headbanger' lift.

The Exhibition Gala closes the figure skating at the Winter Olympics and, with the stakes low, is often a chance for skaters to have fun, pay homage to pop culture, and attempt dangerous moves that are banned in regular competition. The lift is prohibited in competition to avoid encouraging skaters to learn and practice risky elements for points, but the gala allows athletes to show them off free from those constraints.

After the Headbanger, Metelkina acted dazed as if inviting a Fatality, but Berulava did not 'Finish her.' The pair performed the routine to Techno Syndrome and previously showcased the same routine at the 2025 World Championships, though the Olympic stage brought it more attention than before.

Georgia

anastasiia metelkina, luka berulava, headbanger, mortal kombat, kitana, sub-zero, exhibition gala, winter olympics, techno syndrome, world championships