MILAN CORTINA, Italy – Stephen Gogolev delivered a performance of significant weight for Canada on Saturday, propelling his team into the final round of the figure skating team event at the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. The 21-year-old Toronto native scored 92.99 points in the men’s short program, a crucial contribution that lifted Canada from fifth to fourth place overall.
Canada entered the final discipline of the opening round – the men’s short program – trailing the leaders. Gogolev’s strong showing, placing third among the men, proved pivotal. The Canadians finished with 27 points, just one point behind Italy for third place. The United States currently leads the standings with 34 points, followed closely by Japan with 33, thanks to Yuma Kagiyama’s performance which edged out American star Ilia Malinin.
This Olympic debut for Gogolev comes on the heels of a national championship win last month, securing him Canada’s lone men’s singles spot. The pressure of representing his country on the Olympic stage didn’t appear to faze him, as he delivered a technically sound and artistically compelling routine.
Gogolev’s performance wasn’t a solo effort. Madeline Schizas in women’s singles, the pairs team of Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud, and ice dance duo Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier all contributed to Canada’s opening round score on Friday. Five of the ten teams competing in the initial round were eliminated, setting the stage for a highly competitive final.
The team event final begins later Saturday with the ice dance free skate ( on CBC Gem and Sportsnet+). The remaining three disciplines will be contested on Sunday, culminating in the awarding of the first team figure skating medals of the Games.
Gogolev’s success is particularly noteworthy given his relatively recent emergence as a top international competitor. According to his Wikipedia profile, he has quickly ascended the ranks, becoming the 2026 Canadian national champion after a string of impressive results including the 2025 CS Nebelhorn Trophy championship and a bronze medal at the 2025 Finlandia Trophy. His junior career was also marked by success, including the 2018 Junior Grand Prix Final championship.
The stakes are high in the team event, offering a valuable opportunity for countries to secure an early medal and build momentum for the individual competitions. The United States, led by Malinin’s strong showing, appears to be the team to beat, but Japan and Canada are poised to challenge for the podium. Malinin scored 98.00 points, placing him second behind Kagiyama’s 108.67.
The team event format places a unique emphasis on consistency across all disciplines. While individual brilliance, like that displayed by Kagiyama and Malinin, is crucial, a strong team performance requires depth and reliability from all skaters. Canada’s ability to qualify for the final demonstrates the strength of its overall program.
Beyond the competitive aspect, the team event also provides a platform for skaters to represent their countries and connect with fans. The sight of plush toys being thrown onto the ice after Malinin’s performance, as reported by CNN, highlights the emotional connection between athletes and spectators.
The ongoing Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina have already seen moments of triumph and drama. Swiss skier Franjo von Allmen claimed the first gold medal of the Games in the men’s downhill event, while Italy’s Francesca Lollobrigida broke a speed skating record on her 35th birthday. However, the Games haven’t been without challenges, with environmental and social justice protests taking place in Milan and reports of a potential “premeditated attack” disrupting trains in Northern Italy, echoing similar incidents during the 2024 Paris Games.
As the figure skating team event progresses, all eyes will be on Canada to see if Gogolev and his teammates can continue their strong performance and contend for a medal. The final promises to be a thrilling showcase of skating talent and national pride.
