Dauphin athlete Breken Brezden kicks off figure skating season with impressive start
Manitoba’s Breken Brezden kicked off the new figure skating season with a silver medal in Montreal and a win in Waterloo, surpassing Skate Canada’s international benchmark. Her strong summer performances earned her a spot at the Trialeti Trophy in Georgia, while she prepares for a third domestic ev…
Manitoba’s own Breken Brezden opened the 2026–27 figure skating season with a bang, earning a silver medal in Montreal’s International Cup and a gold in Waterloo, Ontario. The 20‑year‑old’s performances not only showcased her technical growth but also surpassed Skate Canada’s 166‑point threshold for international assignments, securing her a spot in the ISU Challenger Series event in Batumi, Georgia.
Summer Success Sets the Stage
Brezen’s summer circuit began in August, a period that sees many skaters fine‑tune their programs ahead of the fall season. In Montreal, she topped the free‑skate segment, finishing with a total score of 171.03. The score exceeded Skate Canada’s 166‑point benchmark, a key indicator for selection to international competitions. Her silver medal came after a strong short‑program that set the tone for the rest of the event.
Just a week later, Brezen returned to Canada for the Waterloo International, where she claimed the gold medal. The win was notable because she outscored several higher‑ranked Canadian women, proving that her training in Hamilton, Ontario, is paying dividends.
International Recognition and Upcoming Challenges
Skate Canada’s high‑performance directors were quick to recognize Brezen’s progress. The federation’s decision‑makers selected her to compete in the Trialeti Trophy in Batumi, Georgia, one of ten Challenger Series events on the International Skating Union’s calendar. The selection is a significant step, as the Challenger Series offers skaters a chance to earn world ranking points and gain experience against international competitors.
Before heading to the Black Sea city at the end of September, Brezen will compete in a third domestic event in Quebec City. She plans to reprise her “We’ve Only Just Begun” short program from last season, aiming to make it “bullet‑proof” and break the 60‑point mark. Her free‑skate program, set to selections from “The Phantom of the Opera,” is a fresh addition that she believes will showcase her strengths.
Balancing Training, Recovery, and Education
Brezen is a third‑year health sciences student at McMaster University, which means her training schedule is demanding. She averages over 20 hours of on‑ice and off‑ice work each week, a figure that rises during the summer months. Managing her knees, which have been a recurring issue, is a priority. After a fifth‑place finish at the 2025 Canadian Championships, she slipped to 12th in January due to training interruptions caused by injury.
She credits a focus on physiotherapy and recovery methods for keeping her knee pain under control. “I’ve been able to continue training, whereas before we had to stop completely,” she said. Brezen acknowledges that the sport’s physical toll is part of the journey and that learning to manage it is an ongoing process.
Future Goals and the Road Ahead
Brezen’s ultimate objective for the season is to secure a podium spot at the 2027 Canadian Championships in Mississauga. To qualify, she must perform well at the Challenge event in Winnipeg in late November. The competition will be a critical benchmark, as it will determine her eligibility for the national championships.
While Brezen is preparing for her international debut, other Manitoban skaters are also making headlines. World junior pair champions Ava Kemp and Yohnatan Elizarov will compete in Germany, and former national champion Davey Howes has decided to pause his competitive career to focus on coaching and choreography in British Columbia.
Brezen’s journey illustrates the dedication required to compete at the highest level. From summer competitions to international assignments, she remains focused on improving her technical elements and presentation while managing the physical demands of the sport.
Why It Matters
Brezen’s achievements highlight the strength of Manitoba’s figure skating program and the potential for Canadian skaters to succeed on the international stage. Her story also underscores the importance of balancing athletic ambition with personal well‑being and education.
Key Takeaways
- Brezen earned silver in Montreal and gold in Waterloo, surpassing Skate Canada’s 166‑point benchmark.
- She has been selected for the Trialeti Trophy in Georgia as part of the ISU Challenger Series.
- Brezen is preparing for a third domestic event in Quebec City, aiming to break 60 points in her short program.
- She balances a demanding training schedule with her studies at McMaster University.
- Her long‑term goal is a podium finish at the 2027 Canadian Championships.
FAQ
- What is the Trialeti Trophy? The Trialeti Trophy is an ISU Challenger Series event held in Batumi, Georgia, offering skaters a chance to earn world ranking points.
- How does Skate Canada’s 166‑point benchmark work? The benchmark is a score threshold that skaters must exceed to be considered for international assignments by Skate Canada.
- What challenges does Brezen face? She deals with knee injuries and the need to balance intensive training with academic commitments.
- When will Brezen compete next? She will compete in Quebec City this weekend and then travel to Batumi, Georgia, at the end of September.
Why it matters
Brezen’s success showcases Manitoba’s talent pipeline and underscores the importance of athlete support systems that balance training, health, and education.
Key points
- Brezen won silver in Montreal and gold in Waterloo, exceeding Skate Canada’s 166‑point benchmark.
- She has been selected for the Trialeti Trophy in Georgia as part of the ISU Challenger Series.
- Brezen aims to break 60 points in her short program at a Quebec City event.
- She balances a rigorous training schedule with her health sciences studies at McMaster University.
- Her goal is to podium at the 2027 Canadian Championships after qualifying in Winnipeg.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Trialeti Trophy?
The Trialeti Trophy is an ISU Challenger Series event held in Batumi, Georgia, offering skaters a chance to earn world ranking points.
How does Skate Canada’s 166‑point benchmark work?
The benchmark is a score threshold that skaters must exceed to be considered for international assignments by Skate Canada.
What challenges does Brezen face?
She deals with knee injuries and the need to balance intensive training with academic commitments.
When will Brezen compete next?
She will compete in Quebec City this weekend and then travel to Batumi, Georgia, at the end of September.
