Roman Sadovsky is fully embracing the challenge ahead. The current national men’s champion remains unfazed by the return of Keegan Messing to figure skating and is openly embracing Stephen Gogolev’s resurgence. A competitive showdown looms for Canada’s sole men’s spot at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics, a situation that excites Sadovsky.
Expressing his love for the competitive thrill, Sadovsky welcomes the increased competition, citing it as a strong motivation for him. He will be one of the 18 Canadian athletes participating at Skate Canada International in Saskatoon, the third leg of the Grand Prix circuit.
Hailing from Vaughan, Ontario, the 26-year-old clinched his second national title in Laval, Quebec, last January and was initially viewed as the frontrunner for Canada’s Olympic spot until Messing’s comeback announcement in August. Messing, a two-time Olympian, boasts impressive scores that surpass those of any Canadian man since his hiatus from the sport in 2023. His return has positioned him as a formidable contender, although his performance remains to be seen.
While the news of Messing’s return caught many off guard, Sadovsky had been anticipating it for some time. He remains focused on his goals and training regimen despite the added competition, viewing it as motivation to excel further in his performances.
Sadovsky’s coach, Tracey Wainman, acknowledges the unpredictability of the sport and believes that unexpected challenges are part of the journey. The skater has encountered his fair share of obstacles, from stepping in for the team event at the 2022 Olympics to facing travel disruptions in subsequent competitions. Despite external factors like Messing’s return, Sadovsky and his team remain steadfast in their mission for the season.
As Sadovsky gears up for Skate Canada International, Messing will be absent from the competition, gearing up for his next event in Austria. The upcoming event will see Sadovsky facing off against Gogolev once again, following their previous encounters in Norwood, Mass., and the Nebelhorn Trophy where they showcased strong performances.
Heading into the Olympic season, Sadovsky reflects on his mental growth and improved consistency, attributing his success to his enhanced focus and ability to bounce back from mistakes during performances. While acknowledging the competitive nature of figure skating and his age in the sport, Sadovsky remains optimistic about his future and is savoring each moment on the ice.
Looking ahead, Sadovsky plans to evaluate his skating career post-season and make decisions based on his physical condition and aspirations. Despite the uncertainties that come with aging in the sport, he is determined to make the most of the current season and relishes the heightened competition that is driving him to excel further.
