Fans fill Gatineau, Que. stands to watch Olympic figure skating hopefuls

Olympic hopefuls put their skills to the test in Gatineau this week, in a bid to secure their spot in Milan. CTV’s Kimberley Johnson reports.

Canada’s world class figure skaters descended on the National Capital Region to showcase their talents.

The Canadian National Skating Championships at the Centre Slush Puppie in Gatineau, Que. wrapped up Sunday after a week of the best skaters in Canada taking to the ice one last time ahead of the Winter Games in Milan.

On Sunday, Skate Canada hosted the final figure skating events to a sold-out crowd.

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Hundreds of fans filled the stands, like Jayne Tellier and Karen Candy, who say they attend the nationals every year.

“It’s been 16 for you and I (together),” says Candy.

Tellier lives in Vancouver, while Candy says she’s travelling from Brampton. But the games are held in a different location every year, so they say they cross Canada together to visit whichever city it’s being held in and see the artistry live in action.

“We have so much admiration for the skaters. The time, the effort. And they can lose in a 2.5-minute short program. Just blows my mind,” says Tellier.

“To see the skaters when they’re first starting out…then follow their careers to hopefully Olympics,” says Candy.

Those competing this week had a chance to participate in the men’s, women’s, and pair teams, as well as the ice dance disciplines and the Team Event at the Winter Games.

Terry Sheashan, the Senior Director of Events for Skate Canada, says the nationals aren’t the only event that judges will use to decide the team.

They will look at a body of work over the past couple of seasons.

“This is the best that we have to offer,” he says. “It’s years of work to get to get to this level and to be nominated for that team.”

Fans spent Sunday cheering on their favourites with Canadian pride.

“I’m from Gatineau, so of course I wanted to be here,” explains Josee Lanthier. “It’s the first time that we are hosting this quality of event. So, of course I wanted to be here and share this experience.”

“To see them finally achieve their dreams,” says Amanda Harrison. “Like that’s it. There’s nothing cooler than that.”

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