By: Pj Kwong

Every season, the Skate Canada Challenge stands as one of the most important milestones for competitive skaters across the country. Held annually as the final qualifying event for the Canadian National Skating Championships, the Challenge brings together hundreds of athletes from every section who are each vying for their place on the national stage. But beyond its role as a qualifying competition, the Challenge has evolved into much more: a celebration of perseverance, progress, and the depth of Canadian figure skating.

The Challenge is unique in that it blends emerging talent with seasoned competitors, creating an atmosphere where first-time national hopefuls share the ice with athletes who have skated on international circuits.

A story to watch from a Skate Ontario perspective, is former two-time national women’s champion, and 2018 Olympic Gold Team medallist Gabrielle Daleman, who is looking to reestablish herself as a contender. Sidelined since December 2024 by an injury requiring surgery, her comeback has been hard fought.

In terms of other competitors, “the Skate Canada Challenge serves as the qualifying event for junior and senior athletes to earn entries to the 2026 Canadian National Skating Championships, which will take place in Gatineau, Quebec, from Jan. 5–11, 2026,” according to the Skate Canada website which continues: “ With the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games fast approaching, excitement is building as skaters look to advance toward Nationals. The competitors have previously qualified for Skate Canada Challenge through their respective sectional championships.”

For younger skaters, it’s often their first experience performing under high-stakes pressure, learning to manage nerves, expectations, and the exhilaration of skating before a national panel of officials. For veteran athletes, the Challenge provides an essential tune-up with an opportunity to refine programs, test new elements, and build momentum heading into Nationals.

“Team Ontario brings an extraordinary spirit to the Skate Canada Challenge. This event isn’t just about qualifying for Nationals, it’s about showcasing the depth, resilience, and heart of our athletes. Every skater who steps onto the ice represents countless hours of training, community support, and personal growth,” said Lisa Alexander, Executive Director, Skate Ontario. “We take immense pride in seeing our athletes rise to the occasion, support one another, and embody what it means to be part of Team Ontario. Their performances at the Challenge reflect not only their individual journeys, but the strength and unity of our entire section.”

What makes the event particularly special is its sense of community. Families, coaches, clubs, and entire sections rally around their skaters, celebrating not only the medals and qualifications but also the personal bests, the hard-fought recoveries, and the breakthroughs that happen quietly between the warm-up and final bow.

As the results shape the roster for the Canadian Championships, the excitement that follows is electric. For many skaters, earning that spot is a lifelong dream realized; for others, it marks the next chapter in a season of growth.

If you want to follow along, you can access the Skate Canada livestream here, and join our online community on our socials @skateontario and show that you too are #skateontarioproud.