Richmond Connaught skater Wesley Chiu ended the skating season competing in his first Worlds Championship this weekend.
Chiu, a Canadian figure skating champion, represented the country from March 18 to 24 at his first senior 2024 ISU World Figure Skating Championship in Montreal.
The 19-year-old skater scored 78 points for his short program on Thursday and scored 78 points ranking him 18th, which qualified him to perform in the free skate program on Saturday.
He then scored 149.21 points, placing him in the top 10 out of 24 competitors during the free skate segment.
Overall, Chiu received a total score of 227.21 points with a rank of 17 at the World Championship.
Chiu told the Richmond News nervousness was inevitable, but it was a great experience.
"With it being my first Worlds, I definitely felt the pressure and nerves skating in front of a sold-out Bell Centre, and (to see) all the Canadian flags in the stands," said Chiu.
"But it was also very special as Worlds doesn't come to Canada often, so it is likely a once-in-a-lifetime experience having a home crowd at the World Championships."
He added that while he made some minor mistakes in both his programs, he was still satisfied with his performance.
Keegan Murphy, director of skating programs at Richmond Connaught Skating Club, said it was a great week for Chiu in Montreal.
"His composure and determination on the ice was awesome," said Murphy.
"I think this will utterly have a positive impact on his next season."
While the skating season has ended for Chiu this year, he will still be practicing for his performance at the Stars On Ice on May 14 at Rogers Arena.
National and world champions including Patrick Chan, Elvis Stojko and Keegan Messing will be at the show.
For more information on Stars On Ice, click here.
Got an opinion on this story or any others in Richmond? Send us a letter or email your thoughts or story tips to [email protected]. To stay updated on Richmond news, sign up for our daily headline newsletter.
