Key Takeaways:
- Madeline Schizas won her fourth women’s singles title at the Canadian figure skating championships with a total score of 200.86.
- Gabrielle Daleman, a two-time Olympian, claimed silver with 195.35 points in her return to nationals after a series of severe injuries.
- Minsol Kwon, a 16-year-old from South Korea, took bronze with a score of 193.18.
- Schizas is likely to represent Canada at the Milan-Cortina Olympics, where she will have her family in attendance for the first time.
- Canada has seven entries for the Olympics, including three ice dance teams, two pairs, and one each in men’s and women’s singles.
Introduction to the Canadian Figure Skating Championships
The Canadian figure skating championships took place in Gatineau, Quebec, with Madeline Schizas capturing her fourth women’s singles title. The 22-year-old from Oakville, Ontario, scored 135.94 points in her free skate to Butterfly Lovers Concerto, posting a winning total of 200.86 to climb from fourth to first. Schizas’ victory was a testament to her determination and skill, as she skated a near-perfect free program, only popping out of a double axel. Her win has likely secured her place at the Milan-Cortina Olympics, where she will represent Canada in the women’s singles event.
Gabrielle Daleman’s Return to Nationals
Gabrielle Daleman, a two-time Olympian, claimed silver with 195.35 points in her return to nationals for the first time since 2022. Daleman’s return was a remarkable one, considering she had suffered a series of severe injuries that had kept her off the ice for an extended period. Her performance was not without its challenges, as she broke down in tears after her program, citing the pressure and her own high expectations. Despite this, Daleman was proud of her achievement, having been told she may never skate or walk again just a year ago. Her determination and courage were evident as she fought through her program, and she will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in future competitions.
Minsol Kwon’s Bronze Medal
Minsol Kwon, a 16-year-old from South Korea, took bronze with a score of 193.18. Kwon was released by her home country to skate in Canada domestically, but she cannot yet represent Canada internationally. Her performance was impressive, considering she led after Saturday’s short program, and only 1.59 points separated the top four skaters. Kwon’s bronze medal is a promising start to her career, and she will likely be one to watch in future competitions.
Olympic Qualification and Team Announcement
Schizas’ win has likely secured her place at the Milan-Cortina Olympics, where she will have her family in attendance for the first time. She expressed her excitement at having her family’s support, saying, "I’m so excited. The first one was obviously COVID. I’m really excited. I’ll have my family there. My aunt and uncle are coming. My parents are coming, so I’m really, really excited that they’re all going to be there to support me." Canada has seven entries for the Olympics, including three ice dance teams, two pairs, and one each in men’s and women’s singles. The country will also compete in the team event, and Skate Canada was scheduled to announce its full Olympic team on Sunday evening.
Other Competition Highlights
In other competition highlights, Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier led comfortably with 93.11 points following Saturday’s rhythm dance in the ice dance event. Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha sat second with 86.93, while Marie-Jade Lauriault and Romain Le Gac were third with 78.64. Toronto’s Stephen Gogolev captured his first senior men’s singles title on Saturday, while Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud claimed gold over 2024 world champions Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps in pairs. These performances demonstrate the depth of talent in Canadian figure skating and set the stage for a exciting Olympic competition.