For the first time since 1984 and the performances of Sandra Cariboni and Myriam Oberwiler in Sarajevo, two Swiss women were represented in the singles.
Repond showed a solid program and received 59.20 points for her performance. This was only slightly lower than her score at the European Championships in January, when she came 6th after the short program with 59.28 points. The fact that the 19-year-old from Basel was unable to reach her full potential in Milan is shown by the fact that her best score is 68.68 points, set at last year’s European Championships.
Kaiser had to accept a few points deductions due to a fall and remained well below her best performance of 66.31 points achieved at the 2024 European Championships. The 21-year-old from Thurgau came 23rd after the short program with just 55.69 points and only just made the cut.
Both Swiss women did not have an easy preparation for their first Olympic Games. Repond struggled with foot problems for a long time and only made her comeback at the European Championships in Sheffield in January after an eight-month injury break. Kaiser slashed his calf in a training accident a year ago and struggled with the consequences for a long time.
Swiss figure skater Kimmy Repond entered the competition with strong expectations, having built a reputation for consistency and technical precision. However, the short program proved challenging from the start.
Repond struggled on her opening jump pass, where a mistimed takeoff disrupted her rhythm. A later combination also appeared under-rotated, costing her valuable points. While her spins and step sequence showcased her usual elegance and musical interpretation, the technical deductions ultimately pushed her down the standings.
Despite the setback, Repond’s artistry remained evident. Her composure in finishing the program highlighted her mental strength — a quality that could prove crucial in the free skate.
Kaiser’s Technical Troubles
On the men’s side, Kai Uwe Kaiser also encountered difficulties. Known for his expressive skating and ambitious jump content, Kaiser attempted a high-value opening element that did not go as planned. A fall early in the program forced him to recalibrate mid-performance.
Although he regained control for his step sequence and spins, the early error impacted both his base score and overall momentum. Judges rewarded his presentation and transitions, but the technical panel’s review reflected the costly mistakes.
Pressure and Opportunity Ahead
Short programs often leave little room for error, especially in tightly contested events. Both Repond and Kaiser now face the challenge of climbing the leaderboard in the free skate — a segment that offers more time to showcase stamina, artistry, and technical depth.
Before the free skate of the best 24 skaters on Thursday, 17-year-old Japanese skater Ami Nakai (78.71) leads ahead of her compatriot Kaori Sakamoto (77.23) and American Alysa Liu (76.59).
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