Let’s Talk About It: A Podcast by Skate Ontario

This episode of Let’s Talk About It should start with: Wow! Look what you can do! Few teams in Canadian figure skating have risen as quickly as Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud.
Since forming their partnership in 2022, the duo has steadily climbed the international ranks, but the 2025-26 season marked a true breakthrough. In their Olympic debut at Milano-Cortina, the Canadian national champions delivered a stunning performance to sit third after the short program before finishing eighth overall and helping Canada place fifth in the team event. Just weeks later, they elevated their skating to another level, capturing the bronze medal at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Prague with personal-best performances in both programs.
Their meteoric rise is a testament to their talent, determination, and the remarkable chemistry they have developed, establishing them as one of Canada's and the world’s most exciting pairs teams.

On today’s episode of Let’s Talk About It, we get to hear from a well-known father/son coaching team.
 
David Islam: From his earliest days on the ice, David Islam has built a career defined by dedication, leadership, and a deep passion for the sport. As both an athlete and coach, he has contributed to the development of countless skaters, bringing a thoughtful approach to training and a strong commitment to fostering excellence at every level. His journey offers valuable insight into the evolution of Canadian figure skating and the importance of mentorship in building the next generation.
 
Mitchell Islam: An accomplished ice dancer and Olympian, Mitchell Islam represented Canada on the world stage with grace, precision, and competitive success. Alongside partner Alexandra Paul, he captured national titles and competed at the highest levels of the sport, including the Olympic Games. Today, his perspective as both a high-performance athlete and ambassador for figure skating provides a unique look at the lessons learned through elite competition, resilience, and a lifelong connection to the skating community.
 
Both David & Mitch can be found on the ice at the Mariposa School of Skating where David is co-owner and Mitch is Director of Dance.

On today’s episode of Let’s Talk About It, Alison Purkiss, Olympic coach and former national competitor joins us.
She shares stories from her skating journey, from performing as a young skater to coaching top athletes, and offers insights on teamwork, perseverance, and building strong skater relationships.
Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the impact of Skate Ontario and the Olympic experience through the eyes of a coach.

On today's episode of Let's Talk About It, we are welcoming Gabrielle Daleman, Canadian figure skating champion, and World and Olympic medalist. Gabrielle opens up about her journey on the ice, from early competitions to representing Canada on the world stage, sharing the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way.
She reflects on the mental and physical demands of elite skating, and the importance of resilience, support, and passion in pursuing your dreams. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with one of Canada’s most remarkable athletes.

Welcome to the Let’s Talk about it Podcast! This is going to be a special one! I am headed to Prague this week for the ISU World Figure Skating Championships.
This is the 4th time that Worlds is being held in Prague. This is a city that has been lucky for Canadian skaters, including my 2 guests in 1962 but there was also a tragedy 65 years ago where the US team died in a plane crash – more about that in a bit. Today I am honoured to welcome Olympian and 1962 World Pair champion with her brother Otto Jelinek, this is Maria Jelinek. I am also thrilled to welcome Olympic and World pairs medallist Debbi Wilkes – who placed 4th with her partner, the late Guy Revell, in 1962.
Let’s get into this conversation where I am going to ask my guests to please share their memories, insights, and the legacy of Canadian pair skating along with the unexpected behind the scenes stories. Don’t forget to follow us for all our Prague coverage next week. Use the hashtag #SkONinPrague and of course #SkateOntarioProud. Let’s get started!

Today on Let’s Talk About It we’re joined by none other than three-time Olympic champion and ice dance legend, Scott Moir. Scott and I go way back — I’ve known him since he was a kid, and our friendship makes this conversation extra special.
We’ll hear about his journey from skating in Ontario to Olympic glory, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and the stories behind his partnership with Tessa Virtue that captured the world’s imagination. You won’t want to miss it.

On today’s episode of the Let’s Talk About It podcast, we’re joined by esteemed figure skating coach Nancy Lemaire, whose passion for athlete development has shaped skaters from Canskate to the Olympic level, including Olympian Madeline Schizas.
 
With decades of coaching experience, after a skating career to the Junior level, Nancy brings insight into the evolving landscape of figure skating in Canada and the importance of fostering resilience and confidence in young athletes. She was inducted into the Milton Sports Hall of Fame and makes her coaching home at the Milton Skating Club.
 
Tune in as we explore her coaching philosophy, career highlights, the Olympic Games, and the impact of mentorship on the next generation.

On today’s episode of the Let’s Talk About It podcast, we’re joined by Ann Shaw, a lifelong champion of figure skating and one of the most influential officials in the sport, particularly in ice dance.
From competing at the World Championships in the late 1950s and early 1960s to judging three times at the Olympic Winter Games and serving on the ISU Ice Dance Committee, Ann’s career has spanned every level of the sport. She played a key role in developing the new ISU Judging System and dedicated herself to educating the next generation of officials through manuals, mentorship, and leadership.
A member of the Skate Canada Hall of Fame, Ann’s legacy lives on through her lasting impact on figure skating in Canada and around the world.

On today’s episode of the Let’s Talk About It podcast, we reflect on the remarkable career of Canadian ice dancer Tracy Wilson, who began skating at age six in Coquitlam before rising through the ranks of competitive skating. After winning the 1980 Canadian junior national title with Mark Stokes, she found lasting success with partner Rob McCall, capturing seven consecutive national titles and earning Canada’s first Olympic medal in ice dancing at the 1988 Calgary Games. The duo also made history as the first Canadian team to win Skate Canada International and went on to secure three World bronze medals.
Since retiring, Tracy Wilson has spent over three decades as a figure skating commentator for both American and Canadian networks and, since 2006, has coached elite international skaters—most notably two-time Olympic champion Yuzuru Hanyu—at the Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club. She and her late partner Rob McCall were inducted into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame in 1989 and the Skate Canada Hall of Fame in 2003.

On today’s episode of the Let’s Talk About It podcast, we’re joined by the remarkable Debbi Wilkes — Olympic medalist, television broadcaster, author, and lifelong advocate for figure skating in Canada.
With decades of experience both on the ice and behind the scenes, Debbi shares her unique perspective on the evolution of the sport and the power of storytelling in skating.
Get ready for an inspiring conversation filled with insight, history, and heart about being at the Olympic Games as an athlete, a reporter and a Team Leader.