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With the 2026 Winter Olympics approaching, Canada has announced its figure skating team, featuring a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent. Leading the charge are ice dance duo Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, who bring significant experience to the games.
This announcement followed a competitive national championship in Gatineau, Quebec, where athletes showcased their skills in hopes of securing Olympic spots. The games are scheduled from February 6 to February 19, and anticipation is high.
Team composition and highlights
The Canadian figure skating roster for the upcoming Olympics includes twelve talented athletes across various disciplines. Among them, Gilles and Poirier stand out, having secured silver at the world championships in the past two years. This will mark their third Olympic appearance, following participation in Pyeongchang and Beijing.
Paul Poirier, making his fourth Olympic appearance, expressed excitement, stating, “Piper and I are thrilled to represent Canada once again. We are eager to compete alongside such an exceptional team and aim to bring home a medal.” Their dedication and experience position them as a formidable pair on the ice.
Historic participation
Another noteworthy aspect of the team is the inclusion of Deanna Stellato-Dudek, who, at 42, will become the oldest female figure skater to participate in a Winter Olympics since 1928. Competing alongside Maxime Deschamps, the pair is set to make their Olympic debut. Stellato-Dudek remarked, “This selection is a culmination of years of hard work and perseverance. We are honored to wear the maple leaf in Milan.” Their journey to the Olympics exemplifies resilience and commitment to the sport.
Event structure and competitor breakdown
Canada will feature a total of seven entries across various events: three ice dance pairs, two pairs teams, and one competitor each in men’s and women’s singles. The anticipated team event will kick off the competitions at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, where athletes will compete for Olympic glory.
Stephen Gogolev has secured the men’s singles spot, while Madeline Schizas will return for her second Olympic appearance in the women’s event. Both skaters have demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, making them noteworthy competitors on the international stage.
Recent performances and expectations
The path to the Olympics has involved rigorous competitions, including the ISU Grand Prix circuit. Gilles and Poirier have consistently delivered strong performances, while Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps have also found success, earning medals in key events this season. Their performances will be critical in reestablishing Canada as a powerhouse in figure skating.
As the figure skating community anticipates the Olympics, the pressure mounts to perform and reclaim Canada’s status as a leading nation in the sport. The absence of a medal in figure skating at the previous Olympics in Beijing heightened the stakes for these athletes.
Future aspirations
As the countdown to Milano Cortina 2026 continues, the Canadian figure skating team is ready to embrace the challenges ahead. With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, the team embodies the spirit of perseverance and excellence that defines Canadian sports.
This announcement followed a competitive national championship in Gatineau, Quebec, where athletes showcased their skills in hopes of securing Olympic spots. The games are scheduled from February 6 to February 19, and anticipation is high.0