Canada’s Medal Hopes Dim Despite Strong Pairs Performance in Olympic Team Event
Canada’s aspirations for a medal in the Olympic figure skating team event have diminished significantly. With one segment remaining, the Canadian team is positioned in fifth place on the leaderboard. Despite impressive performances from Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud, the duo finished fifth in the pairs free program.
Strong Performance Fails to Secure Podium Finish
Pereira and Michaud achieved a personal-best score of 134.42 points while performing to music from the film “Gladiator.” Their routine, which displayed skill in many elements, only faltered on a throw triple loop. The duo celebrated at the Milano Ice Skating Arena after their performance, despite finishing fifth.
Individual Results in Women’s Free Program
Later, Madeline Schizas from Oakville, Ontario, competed in the women’s free program, securing another fifth-place finish with a score of 125.00. Schizas struggled with a fall on a triple lutz at the start of her routine to “Butterfly Lovers.”
Competition Standings and Scoring
As the competition progressed, Canada accumulated a total of 47 points. This places them five points behind third-place Italy, who has 52 points. The top two spots are held by the United States and Japan, both tied at 59 points, followed by Georgia with 50 points.
- First place earns 10 points.
- Second place receives 9 points.
- Subsequent placements receive progressively fewer points.
Upcoming Competitors
Following these results, Toronto’s Stephen Gogolev is set to compete in the men’s free program, which will conclude the team event. His earlier performance qualified Canada for the finals.
Canada’s Historical Context in Team Events
Canada has a rich history in Olympic figure skating team events. They secured gold at the 2018 Games, led by ice dance legends Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir. The country also won silver during the inaugural team event in 2014 and finished fourth in 2022, trailing behind the United States, Japan, and Russia.
As the team event wraps up, Canada faces challenges in reclaiming its standing on the Olympic figure skating stage.
