While most university students are preparing for midterms and tutorials, University of St. Michael’s College student Stephen Gogolev is busy preparing for competition at the Olympic Games.

He will represent Canada in men’s figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy, marking the culmination of what he describes as the busiest and most significant season of his career.

“I would say this is probably my comeback season. It’s definitely been my most exciting season I’ve had in skating so far,” Gogolev said.

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Gogolev secured his spot on Team Canada after winning the national championship title at the Canadian National Skating Championships in Gatineau, Que., Jan. 10. While the announcement was thrilling, it wasn’t entirely unexpected.

“It was obviously very exciting to hear that I was named to the Olympic team,” he said. “But it was also somewhat expected at the same time, because the results of nationals were the deciding factor.”

Competing at the Olympics has long been the ultimate goal.

“It’s probably the biggest stage that you work towards,” said Gogolev. “It’s a goal for all high-performing athletes, so this means a lot.”

Gogolev is majoring in political science after transferring to the University of Toronto in 2024 after studying at the University of California, a move that was driven by both family and personal considerations.

“Coming back to Toronto was a mutual decision between my team and my family,” he said. “At a certain point, we felt that the negative aspects of being apart weren’t outweighing the benefits.”

Once he arrived at the University of St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto, he was immediately impressed with the campus.

“It’s a very beautiful campus. I never knew U of T had such beautiful buildings,” he said.

Despite the demands of elite training, Gogolev says his studies remain a priority. Balancing coursework with a rigorous training schedule isn’t easy, especially with extended travel.

“It can get a bit overwhelming, especially at times like these when I’ll be leaving for two weeks,” he said.

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He credits teaching assistants and instructors for helping him stay on track.

“They’ve been quite supportive. In cases where tutorial participation is part of the grade, I was told I could earn those grades back by visiting during office hours.”

Gogolev left for Italy Feb. 2. In Milano Cortina, he’ll compete not only in the individual men’s short and free programs, but also as part of Canada’s skating team, adding to the already packed schedule.

“It’s definitely busier than regular competitions,” he said. “With the addition of the team event, I’ll be competing four times within seven days. which adds more physical and mental load.”

Still, he’s looking forward to more than just the competition.

“I’m excited for everything — the city, watching other events, training with teammates, exploring the food,” he said. “I think everything in general will be pretty cool.”

Even in the midst of his most successful season, Gogolev is already thinking ahead. He says pursuing post-secondary education is essential, and he’s exploring interests in finance, politics and law.

“I won’t be skating my entire life,” he said. “It’s important to think about what comes next.”

Gogolev began figure skating at the age of six and before that trained as an alpine skier. Though he found early success on the slopes, he ultimately chose the ice.

“I enjoyed figure skating more,” he said. “I think it was the jumping and the technical elements, even though funnily enough I actually had more success in skiing when I was younger.”

For now, his focus is on Milano Cortina, where the St. Mike’s community will be cheering as one of its own takes the Olympic stage. There will be a watch party in the COOP to cheer on Gogolev on Feb. 10 at 12:30 p.m.

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Other Canadians with connections with Catholic schools are also taking part in the Games. St. Michael's College School alumni Daniel Mantenuto will suit up for Italy in men's hockey, while Saskatchewan's Notre Dame Hounds alumni Damien Riat will lace up for Switzerland in men's hockey.

(This edited story first ran on the University of St. Michael’s College website and is reprinted with permission.)