Skate Ontario is so proud to share the third article in our SkateOntaReporter series. SkateOntaReporters are a team of writers who serve as the on-the-ground eyes and ears of local figure skating in every corner of Ontario, working to uncover stories and to provide insights and information to fans across the province. We hope you enjoy this article!

—

By: Valya Roberts

At the recent 2024 Olympics in Paris, you couldn’t help but notice a transition in women’s gymnastics from younger prepubescent teens to older, stronger adult women. 

In 1997, the age requirements were raised to sixteen for artistic gymnasts.  Fast forward to the 2024 Olympics and many of the world class gymnasts are in their twenties and even thirties.  

At the elite level in figure skating, minimum age requirements have only recently changed to age 16 for the 2023-24 cycle and then upped to age 17 for the 2024-25 season.   

At this past 2024 World Championship in Montreal, Canada, we also started seeing some trends toward older skaters: American Deanna Stellato-Dudek at the age of 40 captured gold representing Canada in Pairs with her partner Maxime Deschamps; Loena Hendrickx was the European champion at age 23; Ontario’s Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier were World and Olympic medalists in their 30’s.  

I asked Andrew Evans, current coach of top junior skaters in Ontario, to share his thoughts about the impact on the age changes in figure skating from a coach’s perspective. According to Andrew, “As far as skill acquisition, nothing has changed. Earlier is still better for getting jumps.”   

But one interesting comment from Andrew is the impact it might have in junior skating. “By making them take their time moving up through the levels, I think we’ll find the lower levels get deeper talent pools as there’s not a big rush for senior level.” This suggests it could be beneficial for the sport as it will solidify the skills at the Junior level in preparation for Seniors and potentially increase the number of young skaters staying in the sport. This may also lead to more retention in skating now that there is more time to adapt to growing bodies while continuing to develop skills.   

Cecilia Tripp, a parent of a young pre novice skater (Tabatha Tripp) hopes it will be positive for her daughter and will help keep her in the sport longer. As a parent, she loves the values and the positive atmosphere at the Hamilton Skating Club with her coaches Bryce Davison and Jen Jackson. “Tabatha loves skating and her friends there are like a family”.  She also noted that the club has wonderful examples of older skaters who are competing at the highest level and completing university at the same time. 

Looking ahead, age in figure skating continues to be an important factor. 

Valya Roberts is a Skate Ontario reporter, serial skating fan, avid traveller and by day an Executive Director of a Social Service agency.