By: Pj Kwong

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.

Ultimately, Lia and Trennt are in 3^rd place heading into the free and in Lia’s words this isn’t about ‘redemption’ but rather ‘confirmation’. Confirmation that they have been right all along with their training and direction. Perfectly said, Lia!

Trennt talked about competing against all of these top teams and they both feel a level of comfort in such a familiar field.

Coach Alison Purkiss who was beaming told me that she felt that tonight’s performance ‘was a fitting finale for that program.’

I reminded them that Prague is a lucky city for Canadian and specifically Ontario skaters – so let’s just bring it home tomorrow! They laughed and I laughed but we all know I mean it. Trennt said that he wants to just let the skating take over in the free.

In the women’s event, Madeline Schizas did what she needed to do. She took the ice, skated a solid short program and has qualified for the free skate final in a respectable 15^th place. Glued to the screen in front of her to watch everything coming from the event, my other skating coverage half, Debbi Wilkes had this to say: “Madeline showed her characteristic energy and determination despite her triple loop continuing to give her problems. Today’s short program delivered points somewhere between her excellent showing in the Olympic Team event and her disappointment in the individual event.” I have a word for that: redemption.

Maddie has shown resilience throughout the season, and this event provides another opportunity for her to showcase her artistry and technical progress on one of skating’s biggest stages.

Beyond the results, the ISU World Championships are always about more than medals. They are a celebration of progress, perseverance, and the global skating community. Prague, with its rich history and vibrant culture, provides a stunning backdrop for this year’s event, adding to the sense of occasion for athletes and fans alike.

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 Women and Pair 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.