In a thrilling and unexpected turn of events at the 2026 Canadian National Skating Championships, the duo of Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud soared to the top of the podium, capturing the national senior pairs title in an electrifying upset on Saturday, January 10.
A Stunning Victory on Gatineau Ice
The competition, held in Gatineau, Quebec, witnessed Pereira and Michaud deliver a career-defining performance that ultimately dethroned the anticipated favourites. Their reaction upon realizing their victory was one of pure, unadulterated joy, with the pair exclaiming, "Oh my God! We won!" The moment marked a significant shift in the landscape of Canadian pairs skating.
The Podium Finishers
The final standings saw Pereira and Michaud claim the gold medal. The veteran team of Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps, who many expected to triumph, settled for the silver medal position. Rounding out the podium with the bronze were Kelly Ann Laurin and Loucas Ethier. The three pairs stood together on the podium, captured in a memorable photograph by The Canadian Press, symbolizing both a changing of the guard and the deep talent pool in the discipline.
What This Win Means for Canadian Skating
This victory is more than just a national title for Pereira and Michaud; it is a monumental breakthrough. Defeating a seasoned and highly decorated team like Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps sends a powerful message about their readiness on the international stage. The win at the Canadian championships, a key event for selecting international team placements, positions them as new leaders in the country's quest for global pairs skating success. Their emotional reaction underscores the years of dedication and hard work that culminated in this perfect performance on the national stage.
The 2026 Canadian National Skating Championships in Gatineau will be remembered as the event where Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud announced themselves as Canada's newest figure skating stars, delivering a stunning and unforgettable upset to claim the coveted pairs crown.
