The 2019 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships was much more than winning a gold medal for Wesley Chiu. It was an opportunity to show everyone why he is an up-and-coming talent on the country’s biggest stage.
“There were a lot of Skate Canada officials there. I had to show them that I am ready for Junior,” smiled Chiu.
It was with that mindset the Connaught Skating Club member headed to New Brunswick last week and dominated the Novice Men’s event. His short (52.73) and long (94.10) programs were both personal best scores — resulting in 146.83 total and a whopping 28 point cushion over his nearest rival.
Finishing on top of the field of 18 skaters was to the surprise of no one. Chiu had won the Skate Canada Challenge a month earlier in December. However, there was no holding back in one of his final skates at the Novice level.
Chiu upped his degree of difficulty significantly, including adding a second triple lutz to his long program. He then went out and executed both skates to about 95 percent of his ability resulting in his wide margin of victory.
“The content that he had totally superseded what everyone else was attempting,” explained his Connaught coach Keegan Murphy. “He was going huge risk and huge reward.
“I’m extremely proud of him. It was a huge venue, very intimidating. Yes he did what he trained and I know what he can do. But the fact is he was able to find a calm and confidence in himself to to show his skill in that environment and that’s all him.”
Chiu had made the decision to add to the degree of difficulty after his win in Edmonton. A month of hard practice followed.
With a significant lead after his short and skating last on the second day, the Grade 8 Richmond Christian student could have taken a conservative approach and still won gold. But that’s not what Skate Canada wants to see when it comes time for international assignments.
“It was a challenge for myself to see if I could put in a new jump at the last minute. I had been landing them a lot in practice so my confidence helped,” said Chiu. “My goal (all season) was to take each competition one at a time and peak at nationals.”
Murphy added his prize student’s top marks also reflected his complete performance. Former international skater and Toronto-based Joey Russell did the choreography for Chiu’s long program.
“His spins were at the highest level and the performance and musicality were way beyond a Novice skater. Wesley wanted to win with a certain statement. He did everything he could to demonstrate his full ability.”
Chiu is a good bet to be representing B.C. at next month’s Canada Winter Games in Red Deer. He also is expected to receive an international assignment from Skate Canada. He earned bronze in Wisconsin last summer.
