Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud, two Canadian figure skaters aiming for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, highlight the meticulous process involved in designing their competition programs. The journey begins with the selection of music, which serves as a foundation for their routines. Pereira recalls how she and Michaud diligently explored various tracks over the past year, searching for a piece that resonated emotionally and could evoke the right performance atmosphere. The song 'Say You Love Me' by Jessie Ware, introduced by their choreographer Madison Hubbell, ultimately became their chosen music, marking the initial step in crafting their artistic vision.

The development of a figure skating program extends beyond just music selection; it involves careful choreography and extensive practice. Athletes frequently collaborate with choreographers, such as Hubbell, to blend technical elements with personal artistic expression. Coaches emphasize that while there are some guidelines, each program is unique, shaped by the skaters’ personal style, skill sets, and technical demands. This creative process is essential for making performances captivating and competitive on a global stage during the Olympics.

As the Milan-Cortina Games approach, athletes like Pereira and Michaud represent the dedication and artistry required in Olympic-level figure skating. The intense preparation and collaboration involved in designing these programs not only highlight the personal stories of the skaters but also reflect the larger narrative of sport at the Olympics, where each performance will be scrutinized by an international audience eager to witness the culmination of months of hard work and artistic ingenuity.