Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud stood in the mixed zone, answering questions, when they saw scores on a nearby TV screen that altered the outcome. The Canadian duo, used to being second to the 2024 world champions Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps, suddenly realized they had clinched their first national title. Pereira exclaimed in surprise, “Oh my God! We won!” followed by laughter and disbelief, while Michaud was moved to tears of happiness.
The scores displayed the errors of Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps in their free skate, which paved the way for Pereira and Michaud’s unexpected triumph at the Canadian figure skating championships. Performing their “Gladiator” routine from the 2023-24 season, Pereira and Michaud scored 135.03 points in their free program, surpassing Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps by 12.02 points, overcoming a nine-point deficit from the short program the previous day.
Their total score of 204.14 secured the gold medal, with Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps settling for silver, and Kelly Ann Laurin and Loucas Éthier taking bronze. Reflecting on their victory, Michaud expressed, “This is what we live for,” to which Pereira added, “This is unbelievable.” She emphasized the hard work, determination, and passion they had invested over their three-and-a-half years together, savoring the moment.
Pereira, 21, and Michaud, 29, partnered in August 2022 after Michaud’s previous teammate retired. Michaud had boldly predicted their national championship win from the start of their collaboration, a prediction that came true to Pereira’s initial surprise but eventual acknowledgment. Despite the victory, the duo was focused on their upcoming participation in the Milan Cortina Olympics, aiming to improve on their recent world championship performances.
As for Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps, they faced challenges during the championships, with Stellato-Dudek battling a stomach bug that affected her performance. Despite their errors in the free skate, they remained positive, acknowledging the disappointment while looking ahead to the Winter Games and the opportunity to represent Canada alongside Pereira and Michaud.