Canadian figure skater Keegan Messing coming out of retirement to pursue 2026 Olympic spot
Two-time national champion Keegan Messing is making headlines as he announces his return to competitive figure skating, aiming to represent Canada at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. At 33 years old, Messing, who holds dual Canadian-American citizenship, had previously stepped back from competition in May 2023 following his participation in the 2018 and 2022 Winter Olympics. However, an exhilarating experience in professional shows revived his competitive spirit.
Messing, a celebrated five-time national medallist, shared candid reflections about his rekindled passion for the sport. “During the Stars On Ice tour, I realized I was skating at a high level again, and that sparked my decision to return,” he stated in a recent press release. “I’ve put in the work, regained my jumps, and rediscovered the fire within myself to train.” His determination to come back is driven by an ambition to be stronger than ever and achieve a coveted Olympic team spot.
The skater from Girdwood, Alaska, is currently honing his skills in Anchorage, under the watchful eye of his longtime coach Ralph Burghart. With a clear goal in sight, Messing is primed to compete in the upcoming 2025-26 Olympic season. This month, he is scheduled to attend Skate Canada’s annual High Performance Camp in Mississauga, Ontario, where he will be evaluated for domestic qualifying events and potential international assignments. This critical juncture in his career represents not just a personal challenge but a significant comeback story for the Canadian sporting community.
As the 2026 Olympics draw nearer, all eyes will be on Messing as he carves his path back to the top echelons of figure skating. Fans eagerly await his return to the competitive arena and hope to see him showcase his skill and determination on the Olympic stage.
