Stephen Gogolev faced the possibility of leaving the world of figure skating due to persistent back injuries. However, after a remarkable comeback season, he clinched his first national championship at the Canadian figure skating championships. Gogolev expressed his emotional journey, highlighting the significance of this achievement in light of his struggles over the past years.
Performing to Sergei Rachmaninov’s “Piano Concerto No. 2,” the 21-year-old skater from Toronto showcased an impressive routine, landing two quad jumps and seven triples to amass 175.90 points in the free program. This, combined with his stellar short program performance the day before, brought his total score to 275.50.
Gogolev reflected on his past doubts and the challenges he faced, particularly after a growth spurt led to debilitating back issues. This season, however, marked a turning point as he competed in all five events, including a pivotal face-off with fellow Canadian Roman Sadovsky for a coveted spot in the upcoming Winter Games in Milan Cortina.
While Skate Canada’s selection process for the Olympic team considers various factors beyond the national championships results, Gogolev’s strong performance throughout the season positions him favorably for a spot on the team. Sadovsky, the 2025 men’s champion, secured the silver medal, while Aleksa Rakic claimed the bronze.
In the women’s event, Minsol Kwon, representing Canada, took the lead after the short program, closely followed by Gabrielle Daleman and Sara-Maude Dupuis. The competition remained tight, with reigning national champion Madeline Schizas narrowly trailing the leaders.
Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier impressed in the rhythm dance segment, setting a personal best score at the nationals. The duo, aiming for their third Olympic appearance, showcased a strong performance, receiving a standing ovation from the audience.
The ice dance competition saw Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha in second place, with Marie-Jade Lauriault and Romain Le Gac securing the third spot. The battle for the remaining Olympic ice dance spot intensified, with Alicia Fabbri and Paul Ayer closely trailing the leading pairs.
As the championships progressed, the excitement and tension mounted, setting the stage for the upcoming events and the final selection of Team Canada for the Olympics.