As aspiring Olympians prepare for the intensity of the global athletic spotlight, figure skater Stephen Gogolev exemplifies dedication not just in sport but also in education. With just three weeks remaining before the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, the 18-year-old skater finds himself balancing high-level training with academic responsibilities at the University of Toronto, where he studies political science. Gogolev is working with his professors to manage missed classes and a midterm, illustrating the unique challenges faced by student-athletes at the elite level.
Gogolev, a notable talent in figure skating, has already achieved impressive accolades at the junior level but faced setbacks due to recurring injuries that delayed his senior debut. After a period of training in California, he returned to Toronto in 2024 to access better medical care, training under Coach Lee Burkell and choreographer Benoit Michaud. This season, Gogolev’s hard work has yielded remarkable results, including a podium finish in nearly every competition and a triumph at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships.
Reflecting on his journey, Gogolev expresses profound gratitude for the opportunity to compete at the Olympics, especially after a season filled with pressure to demonstrate his worthiness amid previous injuries. He notes, “It felt like if I don’t do this with everything I have then I will probably regret it later on.” His commitment to ensuring he makes his Olympic debut impactful reveals his determination to succeed on the world stage.
Gogolev will be representing Canada as the sole entry in the men’s singles event while Oakville’s Madeline Schizas will compete as Canada’s only representative in women’s singles. As is common in figure skating, athletes perform the same routines throughout the season, and Gogolev is particularly eager to present his short program, which evokes the drama of 1930s gangsters. “In the end, it turned out to be…my favourite program so far that I’ve had in my career,” he shares.
With a fresh mindset this season, Gogolev has embraced taking risks in his performances, a shift that has also bolstered his confidence on the ice. He acknowledges that his surprising return to competitive form might have caught some peers off guard. “I wouldn’t say I really paid attention to that, but maybe some skaters were a little surprised because it’s almost like I’ve been gone for the past few years,” he reflects.
As Gogolev prepares for his Olympic debut, he is like any other student his age, with interests ranging from music to enjoying local cuisine. He looks forward to discovering Milan’s culinary offerings and catching freestyle skiing and snowboarding events, although logistical challenges remain. Currently, he’s focused on succeeding in his sport, with little attention on whether his classmates are aware of his Olympic journey.
In the coming weeks leading up to the Olympics, Gogolev’s story is sure to inspire many as he defies the odds, balancing academics with athletic aspirations, showcasing what it means to strive for excellence in all avenues of life.