In 2018, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir performed an exceptional routine to win gold at the Gangneung Ice Arena in Pyeongchang. The Canadian ice dancers secured their victory with a world-record score, solidifying their status as the greatest ice dancers of their time, according to CBC Sports analyst Brenda Irving.
Their triumph marked the most recent Canadian Olympic gold in figure skating, among four podium finishes by Canadian skaters at the Pyeongchang Games. Virtue and Moir also contributed to Canada’s team gold, while Kaetlyn Osmond and Meagan Duhamel with Eric Radford each earned bronze medals.
Looking ahead to Milano Cortina 2026, Canada hopes to secure at least one medal, recognizing the challenge of following the success of the previous golden generation. Skate Canada’s high-performance director, Mike Slipchuk, draws from the experience of 2018 to prepare the current team for the upcoming Olympics.
After the retirement of key figures like Virtue, Moir, Duhamel, and Radford following the 2018 Olympics, Canada’s figure skating landscape underwent significant changes. The team faced difficulties at the COVID-marred 2022 Olympics and missed out on a podium finish in Beijing for the first time since 1984.
Ice dancers Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier aim to carry on the legacy of their predecessors while forging their own path. Despite the pressure to match past achievements, they emphasize the importance of staying true to themselves and their passion for figure skating.
The upcoming competition in Milano Cortina 2026 presents an opportunity for Canadian figure skaters to showcase their skills and potential. With a renewed focus on their craft and a deeper field of talent, athletes like Gilles, Poirier, and emerging skaters aim to make their mark on the international stage.
As Canada navigates the evolving landscape of global figure skating, the focus remains on fostering the next generation of talent and embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the pursuit of excellence on the ice.