GATINEAU, QC – Following a weekend of high-stakes performances at the National Skating Championships, Skate Canada has officially unveiled the 12 athletes who will represent the nation at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Leading the charge are ice dance icons Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, who enter their third Olympics together as the seasoned “anchors” of the Canadian contingent. Fresh off another national title, the duo is eyeing the podium to cap off one of the most resilient careers in Canadian skating history.
The 2026 Olympic Contingent
| Discipline | Athletes | Storyline |
| Ice Dance | Piper Gilles & Paul Poirier | Current World Silver medallists seeking their first Olympic medal. |
| Marjorie Lajoie & Zachary Lagha | Technical powerhouses aiming for a top-5 finish. | |
| Marie-Jade Lauriault & Romain Le Gac | Reliable veterans who secured Canada’s third dance spot. | |
| Pairs | Deanna Stellato-Dudek & Maxime Deschamps | The 2024 World Champions and gold medal favorites. |
| Lia Pereira & Trennt Michaud | Rising stars who have quickly become a global podium threat. | |
| Men’s | Stephen Gogolev | The former prodigy finally making his long-awaited Olympic debut. |
| Women’s | Madeline Schizas | The “Queen of Canadian Singles” returning for her second Games. |
Major Headlines Heading into Italy
The History-Maker: Deanna Stellato-Dudek
Perhaps the most remarkable story of the 2026 Games is Deanna Stellato-Dudek. At 42, she will be the oldest female figure skater to compete at an Olympics in nearly a century. Alongside partner Maxime Deschamps, she represents Canada’s strongest chance for a gold medal in the Pairs event.
Gogolev’s Comeback
After years of injuries and growth spurts, Stephen Gogolev has reclaimed his status as Canada’s top male skater. By winning the 2026 National title, he secured the country’s sole men’s entry, marking a full-circle moment for the 21-year-old.
The Team Event Factor
Canada heads into the Olympic Team Event as a legitimate contender. With a deep roster in Ice Dance and Pairs, the team hopes to replicate the podium success they saw in PyeongChang 2018 and Sochi 2014.
“This team represents a beautiful bridge between our storied history and our future,” said a Skate Canada spokesperson. “From Piper and Paul’s leadership to Stephen’s debut, we are ready to compete with the best in the world.”
