It’s that exciting time of year—Skate Canada is proud to welcome four fresh faces to the 2025–2026 National Team! Before the season begins, get to know the new talented athletes who are joining the team. 

Katherine Medland Spence 
Katherine Medland Spence is launching her National Team journey as the newest women’s skater. Born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Medland Spence began skating at age three and started figure skating by five. Since then, the sport has become a source of joy and confidence for her. 

Katherine Medland Spence at the 2024 CS Warsaw Cup in Poland.

Her breakout came in 2024 when she won gold at the CS Warsaw Cup, marking the first international gold for a Canadian women’s skater in over six years. She followed it up with a bronze medal at the 2025 Canadian National Skating Championships, earning an unexpected spot at the ISU Four Continents Championships in Seoul, South Korea.  

“I never really thought about Four Continents — it wasn’t something we were aiming for in the year. So, to have gotten it, it was like, ‘Oh, wow. Okay, let’s try to get as much as I can from this experience,’” said Medland Spence in an interview with Robert Brodie. 

Off the ice, Medland Spence attends Carleton University, where she studies chemistry. She also enjoys country music, cheering (and occasionally crying) for the Ottawa Senators, and practicing backflips. She represents Ontario and trains in Richmond Hill with coaches Ken Rose and Danielle Rose. 

David Li 
18-year-old David Li will bring fresh energy to the men’s lineup this season.  Li first laced up his skates at age five through the CanSkate program, originally with hopes of playing hockey. But it wasn’t long before he fell in love with figure skating, especially the thrill of jumping.

David Li at the 2025 Canadian National Skating Championships in Laval, Quebec.

As a NextGen Team member, Li made his international debut at 14, winning gold in the advanced novice category at the 2022 Egna Spring Trophy in Italy. He has competed at several junior international events, including the 2024 Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon, South Korea. 

On the national stage, he won silver in junior men’s at the 2024 Canadian Championships and made his senior debut the following season. After placing seventh at the 2024-2025 Skate Canada Challenge, he captured bronze at the 2025 Canadian National Skating Championships—his first senior national medal. 

David Li (right) with Team Canada at the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games. (Photo credits: OIS / Thomas Lovelock)

Coached by Bianca Butler, Li represents British Columbia and the Yukon and trains in Irvine, California.

Fiona Bombardier and Benjamin Mimar 
New as a team but not to the spotlight, Fiona Bombardier and Benjamin Mimar bring experience to their partnership as pair skaters. Mimar began skating at age three, introduced to the sport by his mother who is a coach. He previously skated in pairs with another partner, earning multiple international and national podium finishes including the 2022 junior national title and the 2023 junior national silver medal. When he’s not competing, Mimar shares his passion for the sport by coaching the next generation of skaters. 

Bombardier also comes from a strong skating background. Her parents, former Canadian skaters Jean-Michel Bombardier and Josée Chouinard, helped develop her passion for the sport. “I love skating because of its balance between athleticism and artistry. I also value the skating community – training and competing has created lifelong friendships.” 

Fiona Bombardier at the 2023-2024 Skate Canada Challenge in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

A former women’s singles skater, she claimed bronze at the 2023 Canadian Championships (senior), silver in junior women in 2022, and gold at the 2022 Skate Canada Challenge, along with national medals in pairs with a previous partner. Outside the rink, she enjoys staying active with pilates and relaxing by the pool or lake with friends. 

After teaming up in 2024, the duo made an impressive debut—earning bronze at the 2024 CS Warsaw Cup and finishing fourth at the 2025 Canadian National Skating Championships, securing a spot as alternates for the 2025 ISU Championships. Coached by Julie Marcotte, they represent Quebec and train in Sainte-Julie. 

Fiona Bombardier and Benjamin Mimar after winning bronze at the 2024 CS Warsaw Cup.

We can’t wait to see the great things these four athletes will achieve this season. Want to stay up to date with their progress, behind-the-scenes stories, and major event announcements? Join the Skate Canada fan mailing list for important updates, exclusive content and more, delivered straight to your inbox.