Ukrainian figure skater Kyrylo Marsak made his career-first appearance at a Grand Prix series event, immediately establishing himself in the upper half of the protocol. Following the men's short program at the second leg of the 2026/27 Grand Prix series in Kelowna, Canada, the 18-year-old athlete scored 83.67 points to finish fourth among twelve competitors. This result marked his personal best in the short program this season, confirming that his debut at a tournament of this level was a success.
How many points separated him from the podium
Marsak missed out on the third position, held by Japan's Kazuki Tomono, by a mere 1.64 points. In program components, the Ukrainian skater ranked fifth with 36.44 points: judges awarded 7.18 for composition, 7.25 for presentation, and 7.39 for skating skills. Thus, the technical side of the performance operated at a higher level than the artistic one, which is typical for athletes performing for the first time on a Grand Prix arena before a wide audience and top-tier judging panel.
Progress throughout the season
The performance in Kelowna became Marsak's most successful short program outing this season. At the Trialeti Trophy in Batumi, he scored 71.07 points, and at the Lombardia Trophy in Italy, 78.16. In Canada, the Ukrainian improved his previous best result by 5.51 points, indicating steady form growth as the season's major events approach. For a Grand Prix debutant, such momentum over just a few months is an indicator of high-level preparation and competent coaching staff work.
Pairs: Season Best for Holichenko and Darenskyi
In the pairs competition, Ukraine was represented by Sofiia Holichenko and Artem Darenskyi. Following the short program, the duo scored 58.34 points, taking sixth place among eight participants. This result is the pair's best in the current season. Holichenko and Darenskyi were 2.10 points behind the fifth position held by Czechs Anna Valesi and Martin Bidar. The final distribution of places in the discipline will be determined following the free skate.
Schedule of remaining performances
The Grand Prix event in Kelowna runs until November 1. Ukraine is also represented by ice dancers Iryna Pidgaina and Artem Koval, who will begin their rhythm dance performances on Saturday, October 31, at 23:20 Kyiv time. The men will take to the ice for the free skate on Sunday, November 1, at 01:40, and pairs at 03:45. The ice dancers will conclude the competition with the free dance on Monday, November 2, at 01:15. Final standings for the event will be determined by the combined scores of the short and free programs in each discipline.
Context: A Record Already Discussed
It was previously reported that 18-year-old Marsak set a unique record at the Figure Skating Grand Prix, making him one of the most discussed young skaters of the season. His debut performance in Kelowna with 83.67 points and fourth place in the short program was a logical continuation of this upward trajectory and confirmed his status as an athlete who is already contending to be a leader in world men's singles skating for the coming years.
