The Canadian figure skating team for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics has been announced, with a notable inclusion of seasoned ice dance pair Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier. This will mark their third Olympic appearance together, following their success at the previous two world championships and participation in the Pyeongchang 2018 and Beijing 2022 Games.
Paul Poirier, who has competed in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, expressed his and Piper’s excitement at being selected for their third Olympic Games and their determination to bring home a medal for Canada.
Another highlight of the team is the pairs team of Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps, who will be making their Olympic debut in Italy. At 42, Stellato-Dudek will become the oldest female figure skater to compete at a Winter Olympics since 1928.
The duo has had a successful season, securing silver at the Grand Prix de France and winning their third consecutive gold at Skate Canada. Stellato-Dudek shared her honor in representing Canada and fulfilling a dream through their hard work and dedication.
The Canadian team will feature seven entries, including three ice dance teams, two pairs, and one representative each in men’s and women’s singles, competing in the team event at the Games. Notably, Stephen Gogolev will compete in the men’s singles event, while Madeline Schizas will make her second Olympic appearance in the women’s event.
The figure skating competition at the Milano Ice Skating Arena is scheduled to take place from February 6 to 19, 2026.
The full team roster includes:
– Ice dance: Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha, Marie-Jade Lauriault and Romain Le Gac
– Men’s singles: Stephen Gogolev
– Pairs: Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps, Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud
– Women’s singles: Madeline Schizas