Stephen Gogolev, known for his reserved demeanor, couldn’t contain his excitement at the Canadian figure skating championships on Friday night. The 21-year-old from Toronto surged ahead in the race for Canada’s Olympic men’s singles spot after an impressive performance in the short program. Expressing his newfound relaxation on the ice, Gogolev credited the supportive crowd for his ease during the routine. Skating to “Mugzy’s Move” medley, he flawlessly executed two quad jumps and a triple axel, earning a remarkable score of 99.60 points in front of a packed audience at Centre Slush Puppie.
Following Gogolev, Vancouver’s Wesley Chiu secured second place with 89.14 points, while Aleksa Rakic from New Westminster, B.C., claimed the third spot with a score of 83.60. Despite facing setbacks due to back issues following a growth spurt, Gogolev marked his comeback to the Canadian championships, showcasing personal best performances throughout the season.
The competition intensifies as Gogolev inches closer to his first Olympic qualification, with the free program scheduled for Saturday. Reigning national champion Roman Sadovsky, who faced pressure after Gogolev’s stellar performance, landed in fourth place with a score of 81.79, acknowledging the need to improve in the upcoming events. The battle for Canada’s sole men’s singles entry at the Milan Cortina Olympics continues between Gogolev and Sadovsky, with the final team announcement set for Sunday.
Meanwhile, Keegan Messing, a veteran skater returning to the competition scene, expressed gratitude for the warm reception from the Gatineau crowd despite a challenging performance that placed him seventh. Reflecting on his comeback journey, Messing highlighted the joy of rediscovering his passion for the sport and the support he received. As the competition progresses, the focus shifts to the pairs event, where Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps impressed with their flawless routine and a striking new costume designed by luxury fashion house Oscar de la Renta. The pair leads the competition with 78.35 points, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the championships.
