Local skaters to compete in Japan at 2023 World Figure Skating Championships

The 2023 World Figure Skating Championships are about to kick off in Japan next week, and a couple of local skaters are representing Canada at the event.

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For one of them, it’s her third time at the Worlds, but for the other, she’ll be experiencing the challenge for the very first time.

When 20-year-old Madeline Schizas from Oakville takes the ice in Japan next week, it’ll be her third trip to the world championships.

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19-year-old Lia Pereira from Milton will be skating at the Worlds for the first time with pairs partner Trennt Michaud from Bellville. At age 26, Michaud is a skating veteran who has competed at the Worlds four times, including last year with a different partner.

Pereira and Michaud have only been together a few months. The new duo isn’t putting too much pressure on themselves for next week they’re using it as another chance to learn together.

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Both Maddie and Lia grew up skating right at the Milton Sports Centre and they both say they wouldn’t be where they are today, competing at the World Championships without the help and support of the people in the community.

The Canadian athletes begin their journey to Japan this weekend and they take to the ice on Monday for practice.