Canada’s figure skating championships in Gatineau, Que., are a significant event leading up to the Winter Olympics in Italy, just four weeks away. While junior athletes have already started competing, the focus is on elite-level events beginning Friday afternoon. These events will determine the Canadian representatives at the upcoming Olympics.
After a disappointing 2022 Games in Beijing, where Canada did not win a figure skating medal for the first time since 1980, the country has secured eight entries in various events in Milan. The selection process for the Olympic spots involves evaluating skaters’ performances over recent seasons. Skate Canada will reveal its Olympic picks shortly after the championships conclude.
Although some skaters are likely locks for the team, others will need to perform well this weekend to secure their spots or prove their medal potential. Notably, ice dancers Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, along with pairs duo Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps, are expected to lead the Canadian team in Milan.
Gilles and Poirier, known for their consistency, have been strong contenders in recent world championships. Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps, despite previous success, have faced challenges in recent seasons. Other pairs and solo skaters will also compete for Olympic berths at the championships.
In the singles events, Canadian skaters have slim chances of winning medals. However, the competitions at the national championships are expected to be intense as spots are up for grabs. Skaters like Madeline Schizas and Roman Sadovsky are considered front-runners in their respective categories.
The championships, including both junior and elite-level events, are being live-streamed on CBCSports.ca and the CBC Sports app. The schedule for elite-level events is available, and viewers can follow the action online. For more insights on the skaters and storylines, a preview is available with CBC Sports host Perdita Felicien and figure skating analyst Asher Hill.