Who to watch at the figure skating world championships
The World Figure Skating Championships are set to kick off in Boston this Wednesday, and the stakes are higher than ever. Not only will this event crown the world champions, but it will also determine how many entries each country will receive for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
Canadian figure skaters have been making waves on the international stage, with Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps leading the charge. Last year, they captured Canada’s first figure skating world title since 2018, and they are poised to defend their crown in Boston. However, the road to another victory has been rocky, with health issues plaguing the duo in recent months. Stellato-Dudek, who became a Canadian citizen in December, has been nursing a bruised backside from a hard fall in practice, while Deschamps battled illness that forced them out of the Grand Prix Final.
Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier are another Canadian duo to watch in the ice dance category. They have been dominant in the post-Virtue and Moir era, winning four consecutive national titles and earning podium finishes at the world championships. Despite facing tough competition, Gilles and Poirier have shown resilience and determination on their way to multiple victories.
Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha, along with Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud, are also expected to make a strong showing in the pairs event. Meanwhile, Madeline Schizas and Roman Sadovsky will represent Canada in the singles events, with hopes of securing top-10 finishes to earn multiple Olympic spots for their country.
On the international front, skaters like Kaori Sakamoto and Ilya Malinin will be looking to continue their winning streaks at the World Championships. Sakamoto aims to become the first skater in 65 years to win four consecutive women’s world titles, while Malinin hopes to defend his crown as the reigning men’s world champion.
As the competition heats up in Boston, fans can catch all the action live on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem. With a full streaming schedule available, viewers can witness the grace, athleticism, and artistry of the world’s best figure skaters as they vie for glory on the ice.
