The Canadian figure skating team for Milano Cortina 2026 has been announced, with a total of 12 athletes set to represent the country. Leading the team are seasoned ice dance partners Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, who have secured silver medals in the last two world championships. This will mark their third consecutive appearance at the Olympics following their participation in Pyeongchang 2018 and Beijing 2022.
Paul Poirier, in particular, will be attending his fourth Winter Games, having previously competed in the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. Expressing their excitement, Poirier stated, “Piper and I are thrilled to be chosen for our third Olympic Games among this exceptional team! We are eager to once again represent Canada and aim to bring home a medal.”
Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps will make their Olympic debut in Italy as a pairs team. At 42, Stellato-Dudek will become the oldest female figure skater to compete at a Winter Olympics since Ethel Muckelt of Great Britain in 1928. The duo has achieved success this season, securing silver at the Grand Prix de France and claiming 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, hard work, and belief, and it is truly a dream come true.”
The Canadian team will consist of seven entries, including three ice dance teams, two pairs, and one entry each in men’s and women’s singles, competing in the team event. Stephen Gogolev will represent the men’s singles category, while Madeline Schizas will make her second Olympic appearance in the women’s event.
The figure skating competitions at the Games are scheduled to take place at the Milano Ice Skating Arena from Feb. 6 to 19.