Canadian figure skating is built on a legacy of Olympic excellence with moments that changed careers, inspired a nation and shaped generations of athletes who followed. As Team Canada’s figure skaters step onto Olympic ice at Milano Cortina 2026, they are guided by the role models and inspirations that came before them. Drawing from their own experiences on the world’s biggest stage, Skate Canada alumni and Olympians share the lessons, reflections, and advice they hope will guide this year’s team in Italy. 

Find Your Safe Place in the Chaos 

Tracy Wilson made history alongside partner Rob McCall at the 1988 Calgary Olympic Winter Games, becoming the first Canadian ice dance team to win an Olympic medal with their bronze. But her experience was shaped by more than results alone – it was defined by the emotion the Olympics bring to both athletes and fans. She remembers standing at centre ice after her free dance, hearing the crowd roar. 

“I wanted to just slow down time and soak in the moment because it’s so rich… it’s people coming together. I’ll never forget that moment,” she shared. 

Decades later, Wilson emphasizes the importance of finding calmness amid the spectacle. Her advice to the Milano Cortina team is to create a space of calm and safety within yourself.  

“Distance yourself from the chaos and the excitement around you. There will be one distraction after another, so you need that calm place within yourself where you can go and breathe.” 

Be Present and Soak It All In 

Five-time Olympic medalist and ice dance icon, Scott Moir, competed at three Games with partner Tessa Virtue. He will return to the Olympic Games in 2026, this time as a coach. His Olympic journey spanned over 12 years where he formed a family within Team Canada. 

Some of his most cherished memories didn’t happen on the ice but in the athlete lounge surrounded by other Canadians chasing the same dream. 

“You get to cheer on Canadians who are the best in their field, and the person on the couch next to you is going for their Olympic dream the next day. Those memories stick with you forever.” 

Now in a mentor role, Moir hopes to pass along the advice he once received himself: embrace the magnitude of the moment. 

“Be ready for the Olympics to be the biggest and most beautiful event. Be present in the moment and soak it all in.” 

That sentiment is echoed by fellow ice dance Olympian, competitor at the 2014 Sochi Games, Mitchell Islam who encourages athletes to pause and recognize what they’ve achieved. 

“Enjoy every moment because it comes and goes in the blink of an eye. So, look up at those rings, take a deep breath and realize what you’ve accomplished” said Islam.

Put Yourself First 

For Kaetlyn Osmond, the Olympic Games are defined by both achievements and meaningful off-ice moments. The three-time Olympic medalist made history at PyeongChang 2018, where her bronze medal helped Canada set a new national medal record and marked the most figure skating medals won by Canada at a single Winter Games. Some of her most cherished memories, however, came away from the rink, celebrating alongside teammates and roommates at the Games. 

Her advice to the Olympic rookies is to balance focus while experiencing all that the Games have to offer.  

“Focus on yourself but also allow yourself to experience it all” stated Osmond.

That balance is something that Brian Orser, a two-time Olympic silver medalist, knows well. He encourages athletes to give themselves permission to be fully immersed in their own journey.  

“It’s your time to shine and it’s your time to be a little selfish and think about yourself. But stay in your lane and get your job done.”  

For Orser, being given the honor to carry the Canadian flag on home ice at the 1988 Calgary Olympics remains one of the most powerful moments in his career.  

“There’s nothing in the world that lives up to that feeling” he shared. 

Stay Focused and Celebrate After 

 Elizabeth Manley’s silver medal at the Calgary 1988 Games sparked a moment of national celebration she’ll never forget. Exhausted after competition, she was taken on a surprise detour by her brother through downtown Calgary, where thousands of fans filled the streets, waving flags and chanting her name in the early morning hours. 

“That was the moment that I realized what I had just done. It wasn’t about me and a medal. It was about a country. It was about doing it for everyone in Canada.” 

Yet even with those unforgettable celebrations, Manley stresses the importance of staying grounded while you’re there. 

“The lesson I learned is to shut out the other distractions. Try not to get caught up in the celebration.  Go there, stay focused, and remember why you are there and then you can celebrate afterwards.” 

Make Memories and Remember the Moment 

Olympic silver medalist Kirsten Moore-Towers knows how quickly the Games can pass. Having competed in pairs at Sochi 2014, PyeongChang 2018, and Beijing 2022, she treasures the memories and connections she formed with other athletes. 

“It’s a wonderful way to form new friendships, learn about other sports, and experience the Games in a new way.” 

Her advice to Milano Cortina rookies is to take photos, write things down and document it all because the smallest moments often mean the most.  

“The little moments are really the big moments. Go for it. Everyone is behind you.” 

As Team Canada’s figure skaters take the Olympic stage in Milano Cortina, they do so carrying the wisdom of those who have stood on the ice before them. The message from Canada’s Olympians is clear: stay focused, stay present, and never forget to feel the moment. Follow along on their Olympic journey – subscribe to our Olympic newsletter for all the latest updates from Milano Cortina 2026.