Canada’s figure skating team for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics has been unveiled, with a total of 12 athletes set to represent the country. Leading the team is the seasoned ice dance duo of Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, who have clinched silver at the last two world championships and are now gearing up for their third Olympic appearance together.
Paul Poirier, in particular, will be attending his fourth Winter Games, having previously competed at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. Expressing their excitement, Poirier stated, “Piper and I are thrilled to be chosen for our third Olympic Games alongside this exceptional team! We are eager to showcase Canada once again and strive to bring home a medal.”
Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps, a pairs team, will be making their Olympic debut in Italy. Stellato-Dudek, at 42, will make history as the oldest female figure skater to compete at a Winter Olympics since Ethel Muckelt of Great Britain did so at the same age in 1928.
The pair has had a successful season on the ISU Grand Prix circuit, securing two medals, including a silver at the Grand Prix de France and their third consecutive gold at Skate Canada. Stellato-Dudek expressed her gratitude, saying, “Maxime and I are privileged to represent the maple leaf in Milan. This selection is the culmination of years of dedication, discipline, and belief, and it is truly a dream come true.”
Canada’s team comprises seven entries across different categories, including three ice dance teams, two pairs, and one representative each in men’s and women’s singles, all set to participate in the team event.
Stephen Gogolev has secured the men’s singles spot, while Madeline Schizas will be competing in the women’s event for her second Olympic appearance. The figure skating competitions during the Games will take place at the Milano Ice Skating Arena from February 6 to 19.
Full team
Ice dance
- Piper Gilles (Toronto) and Paul Poirier (Unionville, Ont.)
- Marjorie Lajoie(Boucherville, Que.) andZachary Lagha(St-Hubert, Que.)
- Marie-Jade Lauriault(Ste-Anne-des-Plaines, Que.) andRomain Le Gac(Laval, Que.)
Men’s singles
- Stephen Gogolev(Toronto)
Pairs
- Deanna Stellato-Dudek(Chicago, Illinois) andMaxime Deschamps(Vaudreuil-Dorion, Que.)
- Lia Pereira(Milton, Ont.) andTrennt Michaud(Trenton, Ont.)
Women’s singles
- Madeline Schizas(Oakville, Ont.)
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