By: Pj Kwong

Momentum was building for Team Canada at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Prague, with strong performances across multiple disciplines setting the stage for an exciting finish to the competition.

Be still my heart! The very definition of exciting was the final group of skaters in the men’s event including Canadian champion Stephen Gogolev. At the end of the day and in his debut at the World Championships, Stephen finished just off the podium in 4^th place – a spot up from his outstanding short program 5^th place finish.

Photo: Tina Weltz Media

Not surprisingly, Stephen said that these World Championships along with his (2^nd place) free program at the Olympic Games are his favourite moments from this season. He did say with a smile that he had felt a bit ‘out of it’ in that surreal way here, so much so that coach Benoit Richaud had to remind him to get on the ice once it was his turn. That said, once he was on the ice, he was ready to go. Stephen’s one word to describe his experience in Prague? AMAZING!

My content cohort Debbi Wilkes saw things this way: “Today Stephen confirmed that he’s part of the next generation of champions. All season he’s been unfazed by the tremendous pressure these athletes all face …and despite his clean performance today, I don’t think it was an easy skate. Like ’62 World Champion Don Jackson has said: ‘Anybody can skate clean on a good day. It takes a real champion to do it on a day that feels less than perfect.’ Today was Stephen’s day!” Debbi added: “Stephen has become Canada’s secret weapon!”

Meanwhile, in ice dance, Olympic bronze medallists Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier announced at the beginning of the week, that they were going to return to their earlier Wuthering Heights. Plot twist but for all of the smartest reasons. At coach Carol Lane’s suggestion, they felt there was no way to top their free dance from the Olympics. So why not bring back a beautiful free dance from a couple of years ago?

From our friend Debbi Willkes: “Piper and Paul took a big chance today bringing back Wuthering Heights especially since everyone was looking to embrace ‘Vincent’ once

Photo: Tina Weltz Media

again. Although the team had a short month to train the program, the decision paid off today showing their incredible speed and creative skills…resulting in a silver medal.” She continues: “Canadian ice dance owes them big … with the team’s ongoing legacy felt for years to come.”

This year’s Championships in Prague also carry a deep sense of history, particularly for Canadian skating. Four-time World champion Kurt Browning, who claimed his final world title in this very city in 1993, reflected on the significance of competing here: “Prague was special because I felt ‘on top of the world’ at those Worlds. I just knew I was going to be hard to beat there. Also, I had Donald Jackson’s history in that arena as my guide and motivation. I wanted to repeat his win there from 1962. I think Don skated beside me that day.” His words serve as a powerful reminder of the legacy that continues to inspire current athletes competing on the same ice.

That legacy is not lost on today’s skating community. Lisa Alexander, Executive Director of Skate Ontario, emphasized the significance of Ontario representation at this year’s event. She spoke with pride about the presence of Ontario skaters competing across all four disciplines, highlighting the depth of talent and development within the province.

I told you Prague was a lucky city for Ontario skaters!

Stay tuned for more updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and athlete highlights throughout the week. We also want to know what you think. Did you see the Men and Dance events like we did? Follow along with my adventures in Prague and Debbi chiming in from home on Skate Ontario’s social media channels and join the conversation using #SkateOntarioProud and #SkONinPrague.