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Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud delivered an impressive performance in the pairs free programme at the Olympic figure skating team event in Milan, setting new personal bests. However, despite their remarkable effort, Canada’s aspirations for a podium finish took a considerable hit, leaving them trailing behind Italy in the race for medals. The duo from Ontario finished fifth with a score of 134.42 points, falling four points shy of Italy.
A Memorable Routine
The pair’s routine, set to the stirring score of “Gladiator,” was a revival from their 2023-24 season. As they executed each element with precision, the excitement in the Milano Ice Skating Arena was palpable. The pair celebrated their performance, raising their fists in joy, although their attempt at a throw triple loop did not go as planned.
Their score placed them behind Japan’s two-time world champions, Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, who topped the leaderboard with an impressive 155.55 points. The competition is fierce, with Canada currently tied with Georgia for fourth position in the overall standings with 41 points. The United States leads the event with 51 points, followed by Japan at 49 and Italy at 45.
The Road Ahead for Canada
With the competition far from over, the Canadian team has more opportunities to enhance its standing. On the agenda later that day, Oakville’s Madeline Schizas will take to the ice in the women’s free programme, while Toronto’s Stephen Gogolev, who delivered a standout performance to carry Canada into the finals, will compete in the men’s segment.
Points are awarded based on placements, with the top nation receiving 10 points and subsequent places receiving fewer. This scoring system means every performance is critical in the quest for medals and points.
Historical Context
Historically, Canada has excelled in the team event, with the legendary ice dance duo Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir leading the country to gold at the 2018 Winter Olympics and silver in 2014, the event’s inaugural year. At the Beijing Games in 2022, Canada finished fourth, narrowly missing the podium after a series of dramatic performances.
As the team continues its campaign in Milan, every performance will be scrutinised as they aim to reclaim their position among the elite in international figure skating.
Why it Matters
The outcome of the figure skating team event is crucial not just for the athletes but for Canada’s reputation in winter sports. As the country strives to foster a new generation of skaters, Pereira and Michaud’s efforts reflect the ongoing commitment to excellence. Their journey serves as an inspiration for young athletes across Canada, highlighting the importance of perseverance and teamwork in the pursuit of Olympic glory. As the competition unfolds, the nation will be rallying behind its athletes, eager to see if they can turn the tide in subsequent events.
