Stephen Gogolev's Olympic Debut Bolsters Canada's Medal Prospects in Team Figure Skating
Stephen Gogolev, the 21-year-old figure skater from Toronto, delivered a standout performance in his Olympic debut, scoring 92.99 points in the men's singles short program during the team event at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games. This impressive showing has kept Canada firmly in contention for a medal as the competition heads into its final day.
A Dream Realized on the Olympic Stage
Gogolev's appearance at the Olympics represents the culmination of a lifelong ambition. "It still feels a bit unreal," the skater admitted after his performance. "You're in this environment where you see all the best athletes, the best skaters, really the world's best competition." His score fell just 6.7 points short of his season best, demonstrating that he is competing at the peak of his physical capabilities.
Canada's Position in the Team Standings
The young Canadian's contribution proved crucial for the national team. His performance helped Canada accumulate 27 total points, securing fourth place heading into Sunday's decisive events. Gogolev ranked third overall among men's singles competitors in the team event, finishing behind Japan's Yuma Kagiyama (108.67 points) and American skater Ilia Malinin (98 points).
A Theatrical Performance with 1920s Flair
Gogolev's short program featured a dynamic interpretation of the "Mugzy's Move" medley, a swing jazz compilation that tells the story of a 1920s gangster executing a flawless bank robbery. "I wasn't so sure about the music and concept of it," Gogolev confessed regarding his initial reaction to the choreographer's proposal. However, the 1920s-themed routine has since become one of his personal favorites.
The skater's costume evolved specifically for the Olympic stage. While he previously wore a grey striped suit with a bold red tie at the 2026 Canadian National Championships, his Olympic ensemble featured a darker, more fitted suit accented with a gold chain inside the jacket and a dark-striped tie. "We just felt that the old suit was a bit too wide," Gogolev explained. "And also we wanted to change the colour a bit and add a few more details."
Technical Excellence and Competitive History
Gogolev's Olympic routine showcased the technical prowess that has defined his career. He opened with a quad loop jump and triple loop, later executing a quad Salchow and triple Axel jump. These elements reflect the extraordinary talent he first demonstrated at age 13, when he became the first Canadian of any age to land a quad Lutz jump in competition. During that same period, he successfully completed multiple quad jumps of different types—toe loop, Lutz, and Salchow—in a single competition.
His performance in Milan-Cortina mirrored his success at the 2026 Canadian National Skating Championships, where he earned his first national title with a score of 99.6 points. Gogolev's seamless execution and evident joy were captured in his beaming smile following the completion of his short program, signaling both personal satisfaction and team commitment.
As Canada prepares for the final day of team competition, Gogolev's Olympic debut has provided both inspiration and valuable points. His journey from prodigious teenager to Olympic competitor represents a significant milestone for Canadian figure skating, with potential medal implications for the national team.
