Parker Heiderich performs his short program at the 2026 Canadian Figure Skating Championships, where he captured the Junior men’s title.

Parker Heiderich finds new perspective

For Canadian figure skater Parker Heiderich, the transition to the senior ranks brings both excitement and new challenges. The reigning Canadian junior men’s champion is preparing for his first full senior campaign with ambitious goals, new programs, and a renewed perspective on the sport.

A Turning Point in Novice Competition

Heiderich’s journey in figure skating began later than many elite competitors. He first stepped onto the ice at age 10 and started competing a few years later. While he always enjoyed skating, a pivotal moment came during his novice years when he attended his first Canadian National Championships and watched the 2023 ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships in Calgary.

“That was kind of a whole new experience,” he recalled. “Seeing how everyone competed and how serious they were about the sport really shifted my perspective.”

The impact was immediate. Inspired by what he witnessed, Heiderich returned to training with a new sense of purpose and quickly added several triple jumps to his arsenal. What had begun as a fun activity with friends evolved into a serious pursuit.

Now training under Scott Davis alongside Chantelle Portz, Holly Henderson, and former ice dancer Thomas Williams, Heiderich has continued to develop both technically and artistically.

One of the highlights of his junior career came in 2024 when he earned an international victory at the Trophy Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur in France.

“I needed a rebound moment mentally,” he said. “That opportunity was really good for me. It made me realize how much I wanted to keep doing this.”

Momentum continued to build throughout his junior career. After finishing fourth at the 2025 Canadian Junior Championships, Heiderich won the 2025-26 Skate Canada Challenge and went on to capture the Canadian junior men’s title in 2026.

Building Confidence for the Senior Ranks

The move to the senior ranks, however, comes with increased expectations. As one of Canada’s emerging men’s skaters, Heiderich has felt pressure to add ultra-C elements to his repertoire.

“Everyone had been saying you need a triple Axel or you need a quad,” he explained. “I got so into my head about it that I was struggling even attempting the jumps.”

Working with a sports psychiatrist has helped him regain confidence, and this summer he has devoted significant attention to the triple Axel and quadruple toe loop. While he has yet to land either jump cleanly, he views consistent attempts as an important step in the process.

Away from the technical demands, Heiderich has also focused on strengthening his mental approach to competition. He credits breathing exercises, visualization, and learning to reconnect with his love of skating as key tools.

“It can be hard if you’re hard on yourself,” he said. “”Finding out what I liked about the sport again was really what I needed.”

Part of that renewed outlook has come from studying some of the sport’s most expressive performers. Recently, World Champion Alysa Liu’s carefree attitude has made a particularly strong impression.

“I’ve really tried to keep this idea of being carefree,” Heiderich said. “She’s not so worried about what’s going to happen or the outcome. She’s just there in the moment.”

He also cites Jason Brown, Yuma Kagiyama, and Rio Nakata among the skaters who inspire him artistically.

Bringing a New Vision to Swan Lake

That artistic focus is evident in his program selections for the upcoming season.

Heiderich will retain his short program to “Asturias,” choreographed by Garrett Gosling. The program made a strong impression last season, and he felt there was still room to further develop the performance.

His free skate, however, represents a fresh challenge. Choreographed by former coach Jeff Langdon, the program is built around a medley of music from Swan Lake and tells the story from the prince’s perspective rather than the swan’s.

“I’ve always liked this piece,” Heiderich said. “When we went to see the actual ballet, I thought it was incredible. I really like the story, and I wanted to portray the prince fighting for something he can’t have.”

The concept received strong support from much of his coaching team, although Davis initially needed some convincing.

“It was probably two months of trying to get him on board,” Heiderich laughed. “Now I think he really likes it.”

One of the sections he is most eager for audiences to see is the step sequence, which he describes as both difficult and rewarding.

Balancing Skating, Coaching, and University Life

Beyond skating, Heiderich balances a demanding schedule that includes coaching younger skaters and studying architecture at the University of Calgary. After two years of applying, he recently earned admission into the university’s architecture program and is particularly interested in landscape architecture.

Coaching has become another passion. Working with skaters of all ages through Portz’s coaching team has given him a new perspective on the sport.

“When they’re having fun, I really enjoy that,” he said. “I want them to enjoy the sport and want to keep going in it.”

Despite juggling skating, university studies, and coaching responsibilities, Heiderich makes a point of protecting his recovery time. He doesn’t train on weekends, instead spending time with friends and recharging for the week ahead.

As he enters his first senior season, Heiderich’s goals remain ambitious yet grounded. Landing a triple Axel or quadruple toe loop would represent a major milestone, but his focus extends beyond technical achievements.

“I want people to feel like, ‘Wow, that had some moments in it,'” he said. “I want there to be moments in my programs that are different and unique.”

Looking ahead four or five years, Heiderich hopes to establish himself on the Canadian national team and earn opportunities at major international events. For now, his focus remains on steady progress, new experiences, and making the most of his first season at the senior level.

His first competition this season will be at the Cranberry Open this week in Norwood, Mass., where he will get his first opportunity to test himself against a deeper senior field while continuing to develop both the technical and artistic sides of his skating.