By Pj Kwong

Arriving in Beijing for the ISU Four Continents Championships, you can already feel the excitement. This is a competition that was established in 1999 where non-European skaters would have the chance to compete in a competition with the same importance as the European Championships.

For Skate Ontario, it’s a chance for some of our best and brightest to compete again internationally in an event that has some heavy hitters. For instance, in the pair event Wenjing Sui and Cong Han, the defending Olympic champions will be sharing the ice with Ontario’s Ava Kemp and Yohnatan Elizarov. I see this as present-day heroes versus the promise of the future. Yes. In my mind, Ava and Yohnatan have that kind of potential.

“I think the best preparation for 4cc’s was Ava and Yohnatan’s experience at Nationals – skating in the last group, skating in front of a crowd and skating after a standing ovation. You cannot teach that!!” said Lee Barkell, one of their coaches. He continued with his advice for them to: “Be themselves, Be in the moment and embrace the whole experience!”

In ice dance we get the chance to see the charming Lily Hensen and Nathan Lickers once again. One of their coaches, Olympic 5-time ice dance medallist knows a thing or two about this level of competition and weighed in this way: “They are over the moon to be going to their first ISU Championship,” said Scott. “They are so excited to represent Canada always, but after having a big mistake in each program at their national championships, they are excited to have another opportunity to perform!”

Then it’s time to hear from the more veteran members of the team, both of whom are Olympians and former national champions. Roman Sadovsky has the raw talent and artistry to hold his own with any of the athletes who will also be in Beijing. Trying to find that balance with such a quick turnaround since Gatineau can be challenging. According to his coach Tracey Wainman, “Roman was very ready and trained for Nationals so we focused on mental and physical recovery while maintaining a moderate training schedule. He is now feeling strong and excited to compete this week.”

Gabrielle Daleman is not only an Olympic but a World medallist who has been to the Four Continents Championships three times where she has even earned a Silver medal from that event. She was hoping to make the Olympic team, but fate had other plans. How has she been preparing for Beijing? “With such a quick turnaround I stayed home and trained in Canada,” said Gabby. “Honestly? I saw some friends and family and surrounded myself with people who love me and just regrouped and started training.”

For Skate Ontario Executive Director Lisa Alexander, Beijing and the ISU 4 Continents Championships are just another step on the storied ‘skating ladder’ for Skate Ontario. “We are incredibly proud of our athletes’ performances at the National Championships in Gatineau, where Ontario skaters captured titles across all four disciplines,” said Lisa Alexander, Executive Director of Skate Ontario. “To now have Ontario representation in every event at the ISU Four Continents Championships reflects the depth, dedication, and excellence of our skating community. It’s a testament to the hard work of our athletes, coaches, and clubs — and we couldn’t be more #SkateOntarioProud.”

There you have it.

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