I think this was Roman's last nationals. Those tears were not just about the Olympic spot. If he is the first reserve for the Olympics and Worlds, he might wait to the end of the season just in case.
2026 Canadian Nationals : Men's Long Program
- Thread starter 4everchan
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I hope they work on his arms and shoulders - he lets them droop. It's a real shame because it detracts so much from his performance. He's a really fearless competitor and I'd love to see what he could do if his training team worked on his expression more.
For sure it was. You could even tell during warm up
- Joined
- Jun 26, 2012
Well, just watched the men, and I will focus on my highlights but also on some unhappy experiences. Good for Bruce to have a good skate and always a good watch. I felt really sorry for Grayson who can do so much better than what he showed here. Shohei did a good job. With all the Davids you have to mention their last names, but David Li was an absolute highlight. He was pleased too. Anthony was a wonderful watch but not at his best. Still very special. John skated well, but is a little bland (sorry fans). I felt really sorry for Matthew who has lovely lines, but it wasn't his day. Keegan never disappoints even when he pops jumps. He might not have won anything, but that guy can really perform. I missed the pictures of his children though. Aleksa did his glorious 3lo-3lo combination, my favourite. In the short it was a lutz-loop (more points I think) but I like the 2 loops better. He had a good skate in general. I choked up when Roman finished (as he did himself) and he showed us he hasn't been the champion twice for nothing. Although it was a pity for Wesley, not to attain the podium but kudo's to him anyway after all those issues he has had. And Steven did great. Much less of a jumping machine, more of an allround skater now. Excellent. But it was funny to see that this head-to-head of him and Roman again led them to end close together (but 20 points difference though). Still think Ted and Mark are a golden combination, letting us enjoy the programmes.
I would be so happy if John replaces Roman (due to him retiring)
Romsky tears makes me think you are right.
Out with the old, in with the new:
GoGo, Aleksa, Wesley and John are our future!! Great to have these skaters in our yard
I will miss Roman and Keegan though…
Ok, I can take your word for it
This was probably one of my first times watching him so I can't say I'm particularly familiar with his skating in general. The point about lack of flow into and out of jumps, yes, but otherwise (on first view and not having replayed the skate), he didn't seem particularly slow to me here... maybe he is just that good at disguising it Thanks! that's taller than I expected
more challenging of course, but improvement is far from being impossible so I hold on my hopes 
And btw, it's a pity there is no Exhibition Gala at Canadian Nationals. I would have really liked to see many skaters' exhibition performances.
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- Joined
- Mar 7, 2015
Roman would be the first alternate for the Olympics too... if he is not planning to continue, why bother with 4CC ? He should make sure he is training and healthy and rested in case he gets the call for the games. But that's just how I see things... not how athletes and their coaches may see thingsI would be so happy if John replaces Roman (due to him retiring)
Romsky tears makes me think you are right.
Out with the old, in with the new:
GoGo, Aleksa, Wesley and John are our future!! Great to have these skaters in our yard
I will miss Roman and Keegan though…
- Joined
- Nov 14, 2012
I am a John and Matthew fan. I agree John’s skate today was bland. But he usually blows up the free but today, he looked cautious but determined and had a pretty decent skate even though focussing mainly on the technical. He has talent but struggles with confidence. I hope Brian has helped him with that. Matthew is unbelievable but again, struggles with confidence or ? But I could watch him skate even a bad programme and enjoy it.
Overall, very pleased with the free. Stephen has struggled with injuries and missed a lot with back issues. I remember hearing he had surgery. So I think we (I) have been surprised this year with his jump difficulty and his consistency. Definitely a rebirth. I love Roman but I don’t think he is a top ten skater. I think Stephen could be now that he is healthy
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2022
Congratulations Steven on winning the national championship.
Congratulations all . Great job. Keegan in 5th
Congratulations all . Great job. Keegan in 5th
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2022
Is there only 1 men canadian olympic spot. I thought 2 and only 1 in womensRoman would be the first alternate for the Olympics too... if he is not planning to continue, why bother with 4CC ? He should make sure he is training and healthy and rested in case he gets the call for the games. But that's just how I see things... not how athletes and their coaches may see things
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2015
one spot only
Any other year Roman's skates would have been enough. He actually skated really well here, particularly in the long. I just can never get over how beautiful his arms are, and it looks completely effortless for him. Best arms in figure skating today.
But Stephen Gogolev really stepped up and was so consistent. I was very impressed. And he's not just a jumper who's devoid of personality. Well earned title and trip to the Olympics. Just wish we had two spots!
Of course the other skater who really stood out to me was Anthony Paradis. I liked him last season when he had his breakout performances, but I think he's really levelled up the sophistication of his programs this season and I was mesmerized, despite the mistakes (though the one in the footwork was more frustrating, I'm pretty sure he was expecting to fall on the triple axel). His LP is just stunning. I would not be sad if he kept this program for another season.
But Stephen Gogolev really stepped up and was so consistent. I was very impressed. And he's not just a jumper who's devoid of personality. Well earned title and trip to the Olympics. Just wish we had two spots!
Of course the other skater who really stood out to me was Anthony Paradis. I liked him last season when he had his breakout performances, but I think he's really levelled up the sophistication of his programs this season and I was mesmerized, despite the mistakes (though the one in the footwork was more frustrating, I'm pretty sure he was expecting to fall on the triple axel). His LP is just stunning. I would not be sad if he kept this program for another season.
!!
