(Ottawa) Ontarian Madeline Schizas took the lead after the women’s short program at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships on Friday.
The 18-year-old Schizas gave a practically perfect performance to the music of Dulcea Si Tandra Mea Fiara and she got 72.05 points. She clenched both fists in satisfaction in front of empty bleachers at the TD Place arena.
Veronik Mallet of Sept-Îles took second place with a record of 59.35 points. Two-time Olympian Gabrielle Daleman completed the top-3 (58.48).
This event will determine the Olympic team that will travel to Beijing. Canada only has one place in women’s singles and Schizas won it by finishing 13e rank of the World Figure Skating Championships last spring.
The Canadian trials are being held in the absence of supporters in Ottawa due to the rise of COVID-19 cases in Ontario. The provincial government recently indicated that major events should not have more than 1,000 people in the stands.
The men’s, ice dance and pairs short programs will take place later on Friday.
The Olympic team will be announced on Sunday.