Ponoka's Pirme leads Canada's figure skating team at the world championships

Maddison Pearman is in a good place these days. But that wasn't always the case for the 28-year-old from Ponoka, Alberta.

The 28-year-old was dealing with mental health issues before being struck by COVID-19. “We have a cow/calf operation just outside of Rimby, Alberta, and I didn't realize how much it was needed,” Pearman said. “Going home and moving in with my parents for three months. I just reset and remembered why I love skating so much.”

GREAT YEAR

When Pearman returned to the sport, he was in good spirits. He qualified for Canada's Olympic team in 2022 and his career has been on the rise ever since.

This year Pearman won a pair of medals in the team pursuit. Her coach Remmelt Eldering Pearman says all the hard work is paying off.

“I'm so proud of Maddie,” he said.

“I think Maddie is going to be amazing. She is a great role model for young women and young people involved in sports. I think it works very well.”

Her coach Remmelt Eldering Pearman says all the hard work is paying off.

UNDER PRESSURE

Pearman says he's learned a lot about himself over the past few years. He had to change some things in his skating and learn not to put too much pressure on himself.

“I changed my mind,” he said.

“Good or bad competition, you can always learn something from it and take the positives from it. Also, take the negatives and learn what you can do next time.”

Pearman earned a spot on Canada's 2022 Olympic team and her career has been on the rise ever since.

THE FASTEST ICE IN THE WORLD

This is the first time in 26 years that the World Figure Skating Championships have been held in Calgary. Pearman says it will be an exciting time for athletes and fans alike.

“We have world championships every year, but we don't have world championships,” he said. “It's the pinnacle of every season, so it's a prelude to the Olympics.”

“Everybody always skates really fast here and because we're on the fastest rink in the world, fast times (will happen) and maybe even some world records. It's always fun to have people here.”

The World Championship starts on Thursday and ends on Sunday at the Olympic Oval.