The Canadian figure skating championships in Gatineau, Quebec, are a crucial event leading up to the Winter Olympics just four weeks away. While junior athletes kicked off the competition, the elite-level events starting this Friday will play a significant role in determining Canada’s representatives at the upcoming Olympics in Italy.
Canada, aiming to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 Games in Beijing without a figure skating medal for the first time since 1980, has secured eight entries in various events in Milan. These include three in ice dance, two in pairs, one each in men’s and women’s singles, and the team competition commencing on February 6.
Unlike the U.S. track and field trials where Olympic spots go to top finishers, the Canadian championships are part of an evaluation process based on skaters’ performances over recent seasons. Skate Canada will unveil its Olympic selections shortly after the championships wrap up on Sunday evening following the final stage of the ice dance competition.
While some names are likely already confirmed, the remaining spots hinge on this weekend’s performances. Even those assured a place on the team must demonstrate medal-contending form to the nation and themselves at this final major competition before the Olympics.
In ice dance, Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, along with pairs duo Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps, stand out as the frontrunners for potential medals in Milan. Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps made a breakthrough two seasons ago but have faced challenges since. Gilles and Poirier have maintained consistency at world championships, though they seek their first world title.
Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha are likely contenders for one ice dance berth, while Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud are favored for the pairs event. In singles, Canadian chances for an Olympic medal are slim, but the competition for spots remains intense, notably between Madeline Schizas and Sara-Maude Dupuis in women’s and Roman Sadovsky and Stephen Gogolev in men’s events.
The ongoing junior events and upcoming elite-level competitions are available for live streaming on CBCSports.ca and the CBC Sports app, with the schedule outlined for fans to follow. Viewers can catch up on skaters and storylines leading up to the Canadian championships through a preview featuring CBC Sports host Perdita Felicien and figure skating analyst Asher Hill.