2010 BMO Skate Canada Junior Nationals
January  11 - 14, 2010

Western Fair Sports Centre
London, Ontario

Junior Pairs National Champions!
Michael Marinaro & Margaret Purdy

 

It's a dream come true for Michael Marinaro & Margaret Purdy as they won the gold medal at Skate Canada's National Junior Pairs competition Thursday evening at the Western Fair Sports Centre in London Ontario.

 

 

"It feel's great" Michael said after the medal presentation "we had personal best in both performances and we are very happy about that". 

 

The couple earned first place points in both the short program (48.80) and the free skate (80.78) for a combine total of 129.59.  Second place winners Tara Hancherow and Sébastien Wolfe from Quebec placed second with a total of 115.61 and third place winners Katherine Bobak and Matthew Penasse  from Western Ontario took third with a total score of 112.48.  Taylor Steele and her partner Rob Shultz placed forth at 112.21.
 

 

This is their third season together, and the pair placed third in novice at the nationals last year.  In 2009 the couple competed in two International events -  ISU Junior Grand Prix competitions, the first in Poland they placed 7th overall and also in Germany where they placed 10th.

With the top finish the couple will skate in the closing exhibition gala on Sunday after the Senior final that is being held at the John Labatt Centre.  This year is a trial year that combines both the Canadian Senior Championships with the Junior/Novice.  The senior events run until Sunday.

Michael is a member of the Point Edward skating club is the son of Beverley and Albert Marinaro of Sarnia and the brother of Rob and Joe.  Margaret's home club is Watford and she is the daughter of Lyn and Brad Purdy of Strathroy, Ontario and the sister of Cameron.  Throughout the year the pair trains at the Competitive Skating Centre of Strathroy and are coached by Scott Rachuk and Alison Purkiss.