Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, a seasoned ice dance pair, have been selected as part of Canada’s figure skating team for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, alongside 10 other athletes. Having secured silver medals at the last two world championships, Gilles and Poirier are set to participate in their third consecutive Olympics after competing in Pyeongchang 2018 and Beijing 2022. This will mark Poirier’s fourth Winter Games appearance, having previously competed in Vancouver 2010.
Expressing their gratitude for the opportunity, Poirier stated, “Piper and I are thrilled to be chosen for our third Olympic Games among this exceptional team! We are eager to represent Canada once again and strive to bring home a medal.”
Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps, a pairs team, will be making their Olympic debut in Italy. Notably, at 42 years old, Stellato-Dudek will become the oldest female figure skater to compete at a Winter Olympics since Ethel Muckelt of Great Britain did so in 1928 at the same age.
Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps have achieved success this season, clinching two medals on the ISU Grand Prix circuit, including a silver at the Grand Prix de France and their third consecutive gold at Skate Canada. Stellato-Dudek expressed her honor at representing Canada in Milan, describing the selection as a realization of years of dedication, discipline, and faith.
The Canadian team comprises seven entries across various categories, including three ice dance teams, two pairs, and one each in men’s and women’s singles, all set to participate in the team event. Stephen Gogolev will represent Canada in the men’s singles, while Madeline Schizas will make her second Olympic appearance in the women’s singles event.
The figure skating competitions at the Milano Ice Skating Arena will take place from February 6 to 19, providing an exciting platform for the athletes to showcase their talent on the international stage.
