Roman Sadovsky is fully embracing the challenge ahead. The current national men’s champion remains unfazed by Keegan Messing’s return to figure skating and has a positive outlook on Stephen Gogolev’s comeback.
A fierce competition looms for Canada’s single men’s spot at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics, a scenario that excites Sadovsky. He emphasized his love for competition, stating that it serves as motivation for him to excel in the sport.
This weekend, Sadovsky will be one of the 18 Canadian athletes participating in the Skate Canada International event in Saskatoon, part of the Grand Prix series. Having clinched his second national title in Laval last January, the 26-year-old from Vaughan, Ontario, had initially been considered a frontrunner for the Olympic spot until Messing, a two-time Olympian, announced his comeback in August.
With Messing boasting impressive scores that surpass those of any Canadian male skater since his hiatus in 2023, he poses a significant challenge. Despite the surprise element of Messing’s return, Sadovsky was not caught off guard, having heard rumors beforehand.
Sadovsky’s longtime coach, Tracey Wainman, highlighted his ability to handle unexpected circumstances, citing past incidents where he had to step in during the 2022 Olympics due to Messing’s COVID-19 case and faced travel disruptions in subsequent competitions.
The upcoming Skate Canada International event will see Sadovsky facing off against Gogolev, with whom he has already competed twice this season. Sadovsky claimed victory at the Cranberry Cup in August, while Gogolev secured a bronze. Gogolev emerged as the winner at the Nebelhorn Trophy in September, with Sadovsky finishing fifth.
As Sadovsky continues to shine on the ice, he credits his mental growth for his recent successes, enabling him to maintain focus after making mistakes during performances. With the upcoming season potentially being his last due to his age in the youth-centric sport of figure skating, Sadovsky remains committed to giving his best performance.
Looking ahead, Sadovsky plans to evaluate his future in skating post this season, considering factors like physical endurance and passion for the sport. Despite the uncertainties, he remains enthusiastic about the current season and welcomes the heightened competition, viewing it as a source of enjoyment and motivation.