Schizas Defends Title, Clinches Olympic Spot

GATINEAU, Quebec—Madeline Schizas of Ontario defended her national title in women's figure skating at the 2026 Canadian Championships on Sunday, earning a total score of 200.86 points to secure Canada's sole Olympic spot for the Milan Cortina Winter Games next month. The 22-year-old from Oakville climbed from fourth after the short program to win gold at Centre Slush Puppie, edging out Gabrielle Daleman in silver with 195.35 points and Minsol Kwon in bronze with 193.18 points.

The competition unfolded over two days, with the short program on Saturday setting a tight field. Kwon, a 16-year-old making her debut for Ontario after being released by the Korean Skating Union for domestic events, led with 66.51 points. Her routine to "On My Own" included a triple flip-triple toe combination, a double Axel and a triple Lutz, though judges noted an edge call on the Lutz. Daleman followed closely in second at 66.32 points with a performance to "Roxanne" from Moulin Rouge!, featuring a triple toe-triple toe and a double Axel, despite stepping out of a triple Lutz. Schizas placed fourth with 64.92 points after a strong start to music from The Lion King, landing a triple Lutz-triple toe and...