Mitchell Gordon is seeing the world and making steady progress in the senior men's ranks as well.
It was 10 months ago when the Connaught Skating Club member turned heads by capturing the junior men's title at the Canadian championships in Moncton. The result was well ahead of schedule and meant the 16-year-old had reached the pinnacle level of figure skating. Months of hard work followed as Gordon added to his arsenal of jumps.
His first significant test came three weeks ago at an ISU Junior Grand Prix event in Austria. Gordon finished eighth overall, including a sixth place result for his long program skate. It was a performance that pleased Skate Canada enough to send him to another international competition this week in Croatia.
"This competition in Croatia was based on his result in Austria which he achieved," said Keegan Murphy, who continues to work with Gordon, along with Eileen Murphy. "These competitions are high pressure. He is representing his country and the field of skaters are very tough. These are guys who are going to be on the world podium five or six years from now. He is doing a great job.
"Since his win at nationals, Mitchell's progression has been consistent but rate has been mind blowing."
The meet in Croatia will be another stepping stone leading up to Gordon competing at the Canadian Championships early next year where he will be up against the nation's best skaters, including current world champion Patrick Chan.
"We are peaking towards January for the nationals," continued Murphy. If there are some bumps or hiccups at this time of year it's totally normal. We don't want him to be 110 percent right now.
"We think a top 10 finish is totally achievable. Through that would be the possibility of competing in Junior Worlds."
