Sadovsky welcomes challenge for Canada’s Olympic men’s figure skating spot
Roman Sadovsky is embracing the fight. The reigning national men’s champion didn’t flinch when Keegan Messing announced his return to figure skating, and he’s welcoming Stephen Gogolev’s resurgence with the same composure. A battle is brewing for Canada’s lone men’s spot at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics — and Sadovsky wouldn’t want it any other way. “I’m doing this because I like the thrill of competition,” he stated. “The more competition, the better, honestly.”
Sadovsky will be among the 18 Canadian athletes across all events competing this weekend at Skate Canada International in Saskatoon, the third stop on the Grand Prix circuit. The 26-year-old from Vaughan, Ont., claimed his second national title last January in Laval, Que., and appeared to be the early favourite for Canada’s Olympic spot until Messing, a two-time Olympian, revealed his comeback this past August.
Messing’s top scores surpass those of any Canadian man since he stepped away from the sport in 2023. The 33-year-old could turn into the country’s prime contender if he returns to his former glory, although that is uncertain. Sadovsky, however, had anticipated Messing’s return. “I’ve been hearing it since last season, so it came as no shock,” he admitted. “It doesn’t really change my focus and what my goals are.”
Tracey Wainman, Sadovsky’s longtime coach at the York Region Skating Centre in Richmond Hill, Ont., says the seven-foot skater has learned to expect the unexpected. Sadovsky has faced several challenges, including filling in for Messing at the team event during the 2022 Olympics due to Messing’s positive COVID-19 test.
While Messing showed room for improvement in a season-opening domestic event earlier this month, he won’t be competing at Skate Canada International. His next challenge awaits at the Ice Challenge in Graz, Austria, from Nov. 5-9. Meanwhile, Sadovsky will face Gogolev for the third time this season in Saskatoon. Sadovsky secured gold at the Cranberry Cup in August, while Gogolev took bronze. At the Nebelhorn Trophy in September, Gogolev came first, and Sadovsky finished fifth.
Despite the competition, Sadovsky remains focused. “One mistake really doesn’t need to have any correlation to the other,” he remarked, stressing the personal growth and mental maturity that have enhanced his performance. As he chases another trip to the Olympics, the added competition is only adding to his enjoyment of the sport. “It’s honestly really, really good,” Sadovsky said. “It would have been really boring if there was no competition.”
