Trennt Michaud of Brantford and Lia Pereira of Milton have set their sights on representing Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina following a standout performance at the 2025 Canadian National Skating Championships.
The pair, who train together in Brantford under coach Alison Purkiss at the Brant Figure Skating Club, claimed silver in the pairs division last week in Laval, Quebec, with personal best scores in both the short and free programs.
Since teaming up in 2022, Michaud and Pereira have built an impressive record on the international stage, including gold at the 2023 Grand Prix de France, silver at Skate America, and bronze at the CS Golden Spin of Zagreb.
Their silver at nationals further cements their status as contenders for a spot at the Winter Olympics, with crucial upcoming competitions at the Four Continents Championships in Korea next month and the World Championships in Boston in March.
Coach Alison Purkiss emphasized the importance of these events. “The World Championships are critical because they determine how many Olympic spots Canada earns for pairs skating,” Purkiss said.
“Trennt and Lia are focused on refining their technical elements, improving their grades of execution, and enhancing their artistic performance to deliver strong results.”
Purkiss, who has been coaching Michaud since 2017, praised the pair’s work ethic and mental preparation. “Both Trennt and Lia work with mental performance coaches, and they’ve learned how to manage the pressure of competing on the world stage,” she said.
“The harder they train, the more confident they feel, and that preparation shows in their performances.”
Training three days a week at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre in Brantford, Michaud and Pereira have found a supportive community that motivates them to excel.
“Brantford has been amazing for us,” Michaud said. “The staff at the facility, the people who come to watch us practice, and the encouragement we receive make a huge difference. Skating here feels like performing for a live audience every day.”
The connection with their training environment has been particularly inspiring for Pereira, who joined Michaud in 2022 after taking a break from pairs skating. “The support we get in Brantford is incredible,” Pereira said. “It’s not just about the facilities—it’s the people who stop by to cheer us on. It adds a special energy to our training.”
Reflecting on their recent performance, Michaud expressed pride in their progress. “Competing at nationals is always an honor, but this year was especially meaningful because we delivered personal bests in both programs,” he said. Pereira added, “We’re proud of how far we’ve come as a team and excited to carry that momentum into the rest of the season.”
The pair is focused on balancing technical precision with artistic expression to stand out on the global stage.
“We want to be remembered as skaters who not only execute difficult elements but also connect with audiences through our performance,” Pereira said.
Looking ahead to the World Championships in Boston, Michaud and Pereira are determined to secure strong results for Canada. “If Canada earns a medal at worlds, we can send three pairs teams to the Olympics,” Purkiss explained.
“Even without a medal, top placements are essential to maximizing Canada’s Olympic representation. It’s a high-pressure situation, but Trennt and Lia are prepared to rise to the challenge.”
Michaud, who began skating in Brantford at age nine, reflected on his journey. “It’s incredible to think about how far this sport has taken me,” he said. “Representing Brantford and Canada on the world stage is a privilege, and I’m grateful for the support that’s helped me get here.”
Pereira, who started skating in Milton, echoed his sentiments. “Skating with Trennt has been an amazing experience. We push each other to be better every day, and we’re excited to see where this journey takes us.”
With their eyes firmly set on the 2026 Winter Olympics, Michaud and Pereira are determined to continue their upward trajectory. “The Olympics have always been the dream,” Michaud said.
“Every step we take is focused on getting there, and we’re ready to put in the work to make it happen.”
As they prepare for the Four Continents Championships and the World Championships, Michaud and Pereira remain confident in their abilities and grateful for the support of their coach, community, and each other.
Their journey is a testament to dedication, teamwork, and the power of pursuing a shared goal. “Every time we compete for Canada, it’s an honor,” Pereira said. “We’re excited for what’s ahead and ready to give it our all.”
