The ISU World Figure Skating Championships have arrived in Prague, and Team Ontario is ready to shine on the world stage. With athletes competing in all four disciplines—women, men, pairs, and ice dance—this year’s event is a powerful showcase of Ontario’s depth, talent, and impact in international skating.
But this championship is about more than competition. Prague holds a unique place in skating history, dating back to 1961 when a World Championships in this very city was ultimately cancelled amid extraordinary global events. As we return decades later, we honour that history while celebrating the present. Follow along here for exclusive content from Pj Kwong on site, daily results and behind-the-scenes moments that bring you closer to the action.
Hear more from Pj Kwong and Debbi Wilkes about what you can expect to see this week:
Prague … and the Future
This year’s ISU World Figure Skating Championships are now in the record books with the city of Prague showing its warm hospitality for the third time. Four champions have been crowned … from 4 different countries … Men’s and Women’s titles, Ilia Malinin (USA) and Kaori Sakamoto (Japan) both defending champions and new title holders in Pairs, Minerva Hase & Nikita Volodin (Germany) and in Dance, Laurence Fournier Beaudry & Guillaume Cizeron (France).
The Prague Perspective with Gerhardt Bubnik – The other side of the 1961 Cancelled World Championships Story
In this special feature, Pj Kwong had the privilege of sitting down with Czech national and Prague native Gerhardt Bubnik, a name that resonates deeply within the international skating community. His journey through the sport is both extensive and extraordinary. From his early days as a competitive skater to his work beyond the boards in virtually every capacity you can think of. Mr. Bubnik’s extraordinary career as a Harvard-trained lawyer later extended into serving as a legal advisor to the International Skating Union for 30 years, contributing to the governance and integrity of the sport at the highest level.
#SkONinPrague - @SkatingPj Interviews at the 2026 World Championships
Pj Kwong speaks to skating legends over breakfast at the 2026 World Figure Skating Championships in Prague, including: -Scott Moir -Don Jackson -Patrice Lauzon -Barbara Fusar-Poli -Robin Cousins
On Top of the World – Prague Day 4
Team Ontario closed out the World Championships in Prague with momentum, confidence, and moments that signal an exciting future. From Stephen Gogolev’s breakthrough performance to Gilles and Poirier’s bold return to the podium, this final recap captures the standout skates, lasting legacy, and strong finish to the competition.
Let’s Celebrate – Prague Day 3
Energy, emotion, and celebration took centre stage in Prague as the rhythm dance and women’s free skate delivered unforgettable moments. From Maddie Schizas closing out her season with poise to Gilles and Poirier dancing their way into second place heading into the free dane, this recap captures the joy, resilience, and artistry of Prague day 3.
From Gangster to Gladiators – Prague Day 2
At the end of a demanding Olympic season, it’s not just about results—it’s about resilience. Day 2 in Prague delivered exactly that, with Canadian athletes rising to the challenge when it mattered most. From Stephen Gogolev’s confident Worlds debut to Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud’s powerful, medal-winning performance, this recap captures the grit, emotion, and standout moments shaping the start of a new quadrennial.
You say Skating – I say more – Prague Day 1
The 2026 ISU World Figure Skating Championships have arrived in Prague, bringing together the world’s best athletes and the best way for the season to go out with a bang. Day 1 of the competition featured the women’s and pairs’ short programs and through the Skate Ontario lens, this meant Madeline Schizas and Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud. These national champions are confident, capable and clearly ready and in both cases want to be able to improve on some of their skating in Italy. Why I am glad they are at Worlds is because this is a season where the story isn’t quite finished and now is the chance to wrap it all up with a beautiful bow.
Let's Talk About It: Maria Jelinek and Debbi Wilkes
Today, I am honoured to welcome Maria Jelinek, Olympian and 1962 World Pair champion with her brother, Otto Jelinek. I am also thrilled to welcome Olympic and World pairs medallist Debbi Wilkes – who placed 4th at Worlds in Prague with her partner, the late Guy Revell, in 1962. Let’s get into this conversation where I am going to ask my guests to please share their memories, insights, and the legacy of Canadian pair skating along with the unexpected behind the scenes stories.
What’s Up at Prague Worlds 2026?
The World Figure Skating Championships are a big deal … and athletes from Ontario are playing starring roles! At any Worlds, a country’s team size is based on their placements from last year’s event. This year in Prague, Canada will field a team of 12 competitors (out of a maximum of 18) with six athletes from Ontario, those six all veterans of the recent Olympic Games in Italy. Stephen Gogolev in Men, Madeline Schizas in Women, Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud in Pairs … and in Dance, Olympic medalists Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier.
WELCOME BACK to Prague
What was meant to be a World Championships in Prague in 1961 became something far more unforgettable. Debbi Wilkes recounts her experience as a young skater arriving behind the Iron Curtain—only to be met with shocking news that would impact the entire skating world. Read her remarkable firsthand story.
Prague 101
What makes Prague such a unique stop on the World Championships circuit? In Prague 101, Debbi Wilkes blends history, personal reflection, and a true “skating insider” perspective—connecting iconic Canadian moments to the possibilities unfolding this week. It’s the perfect primer before the competition begins.
Monday – Friday
8:00 am – 4:00 pm