Let’s Talk About It: A Podcast by Skate Ontario

Let’s Talk About It: Alison Purkiss

On today’s episode of Let’s Talk About It, Alison Purkiss, Olympic coach and former national competitor joins us. She shares stories from her skating journey, from performing as a young skater to coaching top athletes, and offers insights on teamwork, perseverance, and building strong skater relationships. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the impact of Skate Ontario and the Olympic experience through the eyes of a coach.

Let's Talk About It: Gabrielle Daleman

On today's episode of Let's Talk About It, we are welcoming Gabrielle Daleman, Canadian figure skating champion, and World and Olympic medalist. Gabrielle opens up about her journey on the ice, from early competitions to representing Canada on the world stage, sharing the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way. She reflects on the mental and physical demands of elite skating, and the importance of resilience, support, and passion in pursuing your dreams. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with one of Canada’s most remarkable athletes.

Let’s Talk About It: Maria Jelinek & Debbi Wilkes

Welcome to the Let’s Talk about it Podcast! This is going to be a special one! I am headed to Prague this week for the ISU World Figure Skating Championships. This is the 4th time that Worlds is being held in Prague. This is a city that has been lucky for Canadian skaters, including my 2 guests in 1962 but there was also a tragedy 65 years ago where the US team died in a plane crash – more about that in a bit. Today I am honoured to welcome Olympian and 1962 World Pair champion with her brother Otto Jelinek, this is Maria Jelinek. I am also thrilled to welcome Olympic and World pairs medallist Debbi Wilkes – who placed 4th with her partner, the late Guy Revell, in 1962. Let’s get into this conversation where I am going to ask my guests to please share their memories, insights, and the legacy of Canadian pair skating along with the unexpected behind the scenes stories. Don’t forget to follow us for all our Prague coverage next week. Use the hashtag #SkONinPrague and of course #SkateOntarioProud. Let’s get started!

Let's Talk About It: Scott Moir

Today on Let’s Talk About It we’re joined by none other than three-time Olympic champion and ice dance legend, Scott Moir. Scott and I go way back — I’ve known him since he was a kid, and our friendship makes this conversation extra special. We’ll hear about his journey from skating in Ontario to Olympic glory, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and the stories behind his partnership with Tessa Virtue that captured the world’s imagination. You won’t want to miss it.

Let's Talk About It: Nancy Lemaire

On today’s episode of the Let’s Talk About It podcast, we’re joined by esteemed figure skating coach Nancy Lemaire, whose passion for athlete development has shaped skaters from Canskate to the Olympic level, including Olympian Madeline Schizas.   With decades of coaching experience, after a skating career to the Junior level, Nancy brings insight into the evolving landscape of figure skating in Canada and the importance of fostering resilience and confidence in young athletes. She was inducted into the Milton Sports Hall of Fame and makes her coaching home at the Milton Skating Club.   Tune in as we explore her coaching philosophy, career highlights, the Olympic Games, and the impact of mentorship on the next generation.