The Canadian figure skating championships are underway in Gatineau, Quebec, marking a significant event leading up to the Winter Olympics, just four weeks away. While junior athletes have already begun their competitions, the focus is on the elite-level events starting Friday afternoon. These events will play a crucial role in determining the Canadian representatives at the upcoming Olympics in Italy.
Canada, aiming to bounce back from a medal-less performance at the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing, has secured eight entries across various categories in Milan. The country’s representation includes three pairs in ice dance, two in pairs, one each in men’s and women’s singles, and a team entry which kicks off on February 6.
Unlike some other countries’ selection processes, the Canadian championships are part of an evaluation process considering skaters’ performances over recent seasons. Skate Canada, the national governing body for the sport, will reveal the Olympic selections soon after the championships conclude on Sunday evening following the ice dance finals.
While some skaters are likely already in contention for Olympic spots, the performances at the championships will be crucial for filling any remaining spots. Even those expected to make the team will face pressure to demonstrate their medal-worthy form in this final competition before the Olympics.
In ice dance, Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, along with pairs duo Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps, are poised to lead Canada’s medal hopes in Milan. Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps have shown promise in the past but face challenges to replicate their earlier success. Gilles and Poirier have maintained consistency at world championships, positioning themselves as strong contenders.
Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha seem likely to secure one ice dance spot, while the battle for the third spot will be between Marie-Jade Lauriault and Romain Le Gac, and Alicia Fabbri and Paul Ayer. In pairs, Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud are favored for one Olympic berth.
On the singles front, Canadian skaters face tough competition, with no recent podium finishes at major events. The women’s event is expected to be competitive, with Madeline Schizas and Sara-Maude Dupuis vying for the top spot. In the men’s event, reigning champion Roman Sadovsky and young talent Stephen Gogolev are set for a showdown.
Fans can catch all the action from the championships, including the ongoing junior events and the upcoming elite competitions, through live streams on CBCSports.ca and the CBC Sports app. The schedule for elite events is available, with various disciplines taking place throughout the weekend. For more insights on the skaters and storylines, a preview is available with CBC Sports analysts.
