Local figure skaters represent CK in Stratford

Two local Chatham-Kent figure skaters found their way to the podium at the Skate Ontario Provincial Championships.

Representing the Chatham Skating Club, William Josling, and Ethan Xiao both took home silver medals after terrific performances at the Stratford competition this past weekend.

Josling, a 13-year-old from Chatham, won silver in the Juvenile Men U14 event. Xiao, a 16-year-old Blenheim native, also won silver in the Pre-Novice Men’s Division. Each of them had season and personal best scores.

Josling and Xiao are both coached by the Chatham Skating Club’s Laura Smith.

“Both Will and Ethan have worked so hard this season,” said Smith. “Their performances on the weekend were a culmination of that hard work. They both had personal and season-best scores and honestly, I couldn’t have asked for more. They both have a bright future ahead and I am so proud to be a part of that journey.”

Josling and Xiao both won the Provincial Championship at last year’s event. Josling captured the Star 5 Men U13 gold, while Xiao took top honours in the Star 9 Men’s Over 14 division in 2022. Both skaters advanced a level this season and continue to be among Ontario’s best skaters in their age group.