Seven years may not be a long time, but with his absences it has felt very long. Stephen has not told us what his career plans are so we do not know when he plans to retire. If he wishes to move on after the 2026 Olympics we have three more years left, but if he is planning to leave after the 2030 Olympics we are at the halfway point, with seven years left to go. He might even want to go until 2034. Let’s see what he decides.

Year 7 started at a low point and turned into an emotional roller coaster. After a forced withdrawal from 2022 Nationals Stephen placed a respectable 5th at Junior Worlds, then began his season with what was one of his best ever short programs at Glacier Falls Summer Classic. After a rocky autumn with his GP debut he is still looking for that kind of short program skate though his free skates are showing us his technical prowess. He barely competed last season, and did not compete at all the season prior, so it is remarkable what he has been able to do.

We have to acknowledge Stephen’s mental strength in what he has been doing. Coming back from rough performances, skating as if they never happened, takes a lot of determination and courage. His parents have done a great job to raise such a tenacious young man. May they remain in good health to be able to watch his career progress. May he also remain in good health.

I was privileged to watch him compete twice this season. It was nice to be able to wave a Canadian flag for him, and to witness his skating at Nationals. It just made me realize how much I missed his skating since he left. There is no one else like him in Canada. I hope he was also able to feel the love from the Canadian audiences. It was not just my friends and I, but whole arenas full of people on their feet, cheering for his every jumping pass and encouraging him to keep going when things got tough.

I have to thank you all for your patience with me. I have become much busier but I am continuing to do what I can, just at a slower pace now. My belief in Stephen and desire to support him are still as strong as when I first became a fan. In the time he was away I thought he might have changed a lot. He did grow substantially, but after watching him live I can say the essence of him looks to be unchanged. He is still a hardworking and talented skater with grit.

I also owe Stephen an apology for my views on his short program. I focused on the music, but really should have been looking solely at the lyrics and what meaning they hold to him. They encapsulate a sadness and coming to terms with the realities of growing up.

We knew we were Impervious no matter how we'd bleed We never fought for breath Priest and prophetess We were nothing we would defy Invincible skin It's how we all begin

He was a child prodigy who ended up facing injuries and going through a lot of pain as he grew. We only learned a bit about it so we cannot fathom how he felt. We just mourned his absence while worrying for him. Now he is facing challenges in getting back to the level of success he had achieved. Considering all that, this music choice makes perfect sense. Admittedly I might still be misunderstanding this program. I read a post on the song by The Music Enthusiast and I think we are in agreement. Either way, I apologize. I hope Stephen feels that he has come out of his dark days.

Year eight will bring big things. He is going to be skating at his first senior ISU championship next week. Stephen may be achieving a long time goal of his in going to the World Championships. We will also have 2024 Nationals, which will be used for selection to the 2024 World Championships in Montreal. It will be an exciting and busy time.

Let’s wish Stephen the best of luck for Four Continents, and all that the future holds for him in year eight.