The experienced ice dance pair of Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier will headline a contingent of 12 athletes named to Canada’s figure skating team for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. This dynamic duo, who have consistently performed at the highest level, scored silver at the previous two world championships, solidifying their reputation in the figure skating world. As they gear up for their third Olympic competition, following appearances in Pyeongchang 2018 and Beijing 2022, the excitement is palpable. Poirier will also celebrate a significant milestone by participating in his fourth Winter Games, having previously competed at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
In an emotional statement, Poirier expressed pride in their selection, stating, “Piper and I are honoured to be selected for our third Olympic Games alongside this incredible team! We’re so excited to represent Canada once more and hope to bring a medal home with us.” The pair’s commitment to excellence is undeniable, as they continue to be a source of inspiration for young athletes across the nation.
Making her Olympic debut will be the pairs team of Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps. Remarkably, at 42, Stellato-Dudek will become the oldest female figure skater to compete at a Winter Olympics since Ethel Muckelt in 1928. Their impressive track record this season saw them secure two medals on the ISU Grand Prix circuit, where they won silver at the Grand Prix de France and claimed their third consecutive gold at Skate Canada. Stellato-Dudek shared her excitement, stating, “Maxime and I are honoured to represent the maple leaf in Milan. This selection represents years of work, discipline, and belief, and it is a dream come true.”
Canada’s figure skating team includes seven entries: three ice dance teams, two pairs, and one each in men’s and women’s singles. Stephen Gogolev will compete in the men’s singles, while Madeline Schizas looks forward to her second Olympic appearance in the women’s event. Figure skating at the Games will be staged at the Milano Ice Skating Arena between February 6-19. Team Canada is poised for success with this talented lineup, ready to skate their way into the hearts of fans worldwide.
