Stephen Gogolev, known for his stoicism, couldn’t contain his excitement on Friday night. The 21-year-old skater from Toronto took a commanding lead at the Canadian figure skating championships and in the race for Canada’s Olympic men’s singles spot after the short program.
Expressing a rare moment of relaxation on the ice, Gogolev credited the supportive crowd for his stellar performance to the tune of “Mugzy’s Move” medley. He flawlessly executed two quad jumps and a triple axel, earning an impressive score of 99.60 points in front of a packed Centre Slush Puppie audience.
Following Gogolev, Vancouver’s Wesley Chiu held the second position with 89.14 points, while Aleksa Rakic from New Westminster, B.C., secured the third spot with 83.60 points. Gogolev, once a prodigious skater who faced setbacks due to growth-related back issues, made a triumphant return to the championships after his last appearance in 2023.
As Gogolev eyes his first Olympic qualification, he remains focused on the upcoming free program on Saturday, emphasizing that the competition is far from over. Reigning national champion Roman Sadovsky, who faced challenges during the short program, expressed determination to bounce back in the following events.
The intense rivalry between Gogolev and Sadovsky has been a highlight of the season, with both skaters vying for Canada’s sole men’s singles entry at the Milan Cortina Olympics. The final Canadian team selection will be announced on Sunday, with Skate Canada considering athletes’ performances over the past seasons for Olympic qualification.
Noteworthy mention goes to Keegan Messing, a seasoned skater making a comeback at the championships after a hiatus. Despite facing difficulties in his performance, Messing received a warm reception from the audience, rediscovering his passion for the sport.
In the pairs event, Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps, the reigning world champions, dazzled the audience with their flawless routine, securing the top spot in the short program. Stellato-Dudek’s eye-catching costume, designed by luxury brand Oscar de la Renta, added a touch of glamour to the competition.
As the championships progress, the anticipation builds for the upcoming events, starting with the rhythm dance on Saturday.