Key Takeaways
- Lia Cho, a 13-year-old figure skating prodigy from Calgary, set a new Canadian junior women’s record with a score of 199.60 points at the 2026 Canadian figure skating championships.
- Cho landed seven triple jumps to secure the gold medal, beating Victoria Barakhtina who took silver with 171.93 points.
- Parker Heiderich of Calgary won gold in the junior men’s event with 188.16 points, while Layla Veillon and Alexander Brandys took gold in junior ice dance with 170.33 points.
- Cho will become eligible for the world junior championships in 2027, marking a significant milestone in her young career.
Introduction to Lia Cho’s Record-Breaking Performance
Lia Cho, a 13-year-old figure skating prodigy from Calgary, has made history by setting a new Canadian junior women’s record at the 2026 Canadian figure skating championships. Her impressive score of 199.60 points has left everyone in awe, including herself. Cho’s reaction to her score was one of surprise and excitement, as she struggled to understand the French announcement of her results. It wasn’t until the scores were announced in English that she realized the magnitude of her achievement, exclaiming "Whoa, that’s such a high score!"
Cho’s Journey to the Top
Cho’s journey to the top of the junior women’s field has been nothing short of remarkable. Just two years ago, she was an ice patcher at nationals in 2024. Fast forward to 2026, and she is now a gold medalist, having beaten Victoria Barakhtina who took silver with 171.93 points. Cho’s coach, Scott Davis, has played a significant role in her development, and her training at The Glencoe Club has clearly paid off. With her sights set on the world junior championships in 2027, Cho is sure to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of figure skating.
The Junior Men’s Event
In the junior men’s event, Parker Heiderich of Calgary took top honors, capturing gold with 188.16 points. Heiderich’s performance was impressive, finishing ahead of silver medallist William Chan and bronze medallist James Cha. The junior men’s field was highly competitive, but Heiderich’s skill and technique ultimately won out. His gold medal win is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.
Junior Ice Dance Competition
Layla Veillon and Alexander Brandys were the gold medal winners in the junior ice dance competition, scoring 170.33 points. Their performance was a highlight of the championships, showcasing their skill and artistry on the ice. Veillon and Brandys’s win is a significant achievement, and they will surely be ones to watch in the future.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
The 2026 Canadian figure skating championships have been a resounding success, with Lia Cho’s record-breaking performance being a major highlight. Cho’s future in the sport looks bright, with her eligibility for the world junior championships in 2027 marking a significant milestone in her young career. With her talent, dedication, and coaching, Cho is sure to continue making waves in the world of figure skating. As for now, she can bask in the glory of her gold medal win, knowing that she has made history and set a new standard for junior women’s figure skating in Canada.
