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Mitchell Islam
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Mitchell Islam (born January 24, 1990) is a Canadian former competitive ice dancer. He teamed up with partner Alexandra Paul in 2009. They are the 2010 World Junior silver medalists, 2013 Nebelhorn Trophy bronze medalists, and three-time Canadian national bronze medalists (2011, 2014, 2015). They competed at the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Key Information

Career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

From 2000 through 2008, Islam competed with Joanna Lenko.[1] They trained at the Mariposa School of Skating,[2] coached by Mitchell Islam's father, David.[1]

In the 2006–07 ISU Junior Grand Prix season, Lenko/Islam were fifth in the Netherlands and won a silver medal in Hungary. After taking silver on the junior level at the 2007 Canadian Championships, they were assigned to the 2007 World Junior Championships but withdrew after the original dance due to Lenko's illness.[3]

Lenko/Islam won a pair of medals in the 2007–08 ISU Junior Grand Prix — silver in the U.S. and bronze in Estonia — which qualified the team for the 2007 JGP Final. Health issues forced them to withdraw prior to the event. They were also unable to compete at the 2008 Canadian Championships, where they had intended to skate at the senior level for the first time. Despite missing the event, Skate Canada named them to the 2008 Junior World team.[4] However, Lenko's health issues persisted, leaving them unable to compete at the event.

Partnership with Alexandra Paul

[edit]
Paul and Islam at the 2011 Canadian Championships

In February 2009, Mitchell Islam had a tryout with Alexandra Paul, a fellow skater at the Mariposa School of Skating in Barrie, Ontario.[5] His father was on his coaching team.

Paul/Islam began competing together during the 2009–2010 season. In July 2009, they defeated the Canadian junior champions at the Minto Summer Skate and were given a Junior Grand Prix assignment. They competed at two 2009–10 JGP events, finishing fourth in Poland and fifth in Turkey. They won gold at the Canadian Junior Championships and were assigned to the Junior Worlds, where they captured the silver medal.

Paul/Islam moved up to the senior ranks for the 2010–2011 season. They finished fourth in their senior Grand Prix debut at 2010 Skate Canada International. Their next event was 2010 Cup of Russia. They had a fall in the short dance and withdrew from the free dance after Paul sustained a rib injury.[6] Paul/Islam made their senior national debut at the 2011 Canadian Championships, finishing in third place. They were first alternates for the 2011 World Championships.[7]

His partner sprained her knee ligament around 2011 or 2012.[8][9]

Paul/Islam finished eighth at the 2011 Skate America. They withdrew before the free dance at the 2011 NHK Trophy after placing seventh in the short — Paul suffered a cut to the back of the thigh in a collision with Italy's Lorenza Alessandrini / Simone Vaturi during the morning practice on November 12.[10]

In June 2012, Paul/Islam decided to train full-time at the Detroit Skating Club in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.[2][11] They had no Grand Prix events in 2012. At the 2013 Canadian Championships, they finished fourth.[12]

Paul/Islam began the following season with bronze at the 2013 Nebelhorn Trophy. They placed fifth at their sole Grand Prix assignment, the 2013 Skate Canada International. After winning the bronze medal at the 2014 Canadian Championships, they were assigned to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, where they placed 18th.

Paul/Islam ranked eighth in the short dance, fourteenth in the free dance, and thirteenth overall at the 2015 World Championships in Shanghai, China. A few weeks later, they changed coaches, joining Marie-France Dubreuil, Patrice Lauzon, and Romain Haguenauer at the Gadbois Centre in Montreal, Quebec.[13]

Paul injured her hamstring in the summer of 2016.[13] She and Islam received the bronze medal at the 2016 CS U.S. International Classic. On November 18, Paul twisted her knee when she fell during a morning practice at the 2016 Cup of China.[13] The duo decided to withdraw from the competition before the short dance. They announced their competitive retirement on December 15, 2016.[14]

Personal life

[edit]

Islam was born on January 24, 1990, in Barrie, Ontario.[15] His mother, Debbie, is a former ladies' singles skater who won the Canadian junior title and senior national bronze medal. She is also a figure skating judge; she was on the judging panel for the men's event at the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver.[5] His father, David, is Director of Ice Dance at the Mariposa School of Skating.

In addition to figure skating, Islam has played AAA hockey, rep level lacrosse, and soccer. He studied political science at Oakland University,[16] completing his final semester in April 2017.[17]

Paul and Islam married in September 2021, and subsequently had a son, Charles. Islam became a widower on August 22, 2023, when Paul's car was fatally hit by a transport truck.[18]

Programs

[edit]

With Paul

[edit]
Season Short dance Free dance Exhibition
2016–2017
[15][19]
2015–2016
[20][21][22]
2014–2015
[23][24][25][26][27]
2013–2014
[12][28][29]
  • Going Somewhere
  • I Will Follow You
  • Satin Birds
  • Dance for Me Wallis
    all by Abel Korzeniowski
2012–2013
[11][30][31]
  • In Your Eyes
    (New Blood edition)
    by Peter Gabriel
    choreo. by Jeffrey Buttle[12]
2011–2012
[32]
2010–2011
[33]
  • As Time Goes By
    by Herman Hupfeld
    choreo. by
    Marie-France Dubreuil, Patrice Lauzon
Original dance
2009–2010
[34]
  • Nocturno
    by Guido Luciani
  • Farruca Y Rumba
    by Pepe Romero

With Lenko

[edit]
Season Original dance Free dance
2007–08
[35] 		Russian gypsy dance:
  • Two Guitars
  • Havana – Main Title
    by Arturo Sandoval, Dave Valentin
  • Master and Commander – The Doldrums
    by Davies, Gordon and Tognetti
  • Boleros Canciones Recuerdos – Besame Mucho
  • Mujer Latina
    by Thalia
2006–07
[36]
  • Tanguera
  • A Fuego Lento
    by H. Salgon
  • Leyenda
    by M. Laucke
  • Romanza
  • Girl Fight
    by J. Shapiro
2005–06
[1]

Competitive highlights

[edit]

GP: Grand Prix; CS: Challenger Series; JGP: Junior Grand Prix

With Paul

[edit]
International[37]
Event 09–10 10–11 11–12 12–13 13–14 14–15 15–16 16–17
Olympics 18th
Worlds 10th 13th
Four Continents 6th 6th
GP Cup of China 5th WD
GP Bompard 6th
GP Skate America 8th
GP Skate Canada 4th 5th 6th 8th
CS Autumn Classic 4th
CS Nebelhorn 2nd
CS U.S. Classic 3rd
Nebelhorn 5th 3rd
U.S. Classic 2nd
International: Junior[37]
Junior Worlds 2nd
JGP Poland 4th
JGP Turkey 5th
National[38]
Canadian Champ. 1st J 3rd 5th 4th 3rd 3rd 4th
J = Junior level; WD = Withdrew

With Lenko

[edit]
International[39]
Event 05–06 06–07 07–08
JGP Estonia 9th 3rd
JGP Hungary 2nd
JGP Netherlands 5th
JGP United States 2nd
National
Canadian Champ. 4th J 2nd J WD
Levels: N = Novice; J = Junior. WD = Withdrew

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Mitchell Islam

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Mitchell Islam (born January 24, 1990) is a Canadian former competitive ice dancer and current skating coach. Islam began his partnership with Alexandra Paul in February 2009, and together they achieved significant success in international competition, including a silver medal at the 2010 World Junior Championships just over a year after partnering. The duo represented Canada at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, where they placed 18th in ice dance, and competed at two senior World Championships, placing fourth at the 2014 Four Continents Championships and sixth in 2015. They retired from competition in 2016 after winning the Canadian national ice dance title that year. Off the ice, Islam and Paul developed a personal relationship, marrying and having a son, Charlie, before Paul's tragic death in a multi-vehicle collision on August 22, 2023, in Melancthon Township, Ontario; their infant son survived with injuries. Following retirement, Islam transitioned to coaching at the Mariposa School of Skating in Orillia, Ontario, where he had trained as a youth, specializing in ice dance while also working with singles, pairs, and synchronized skaters. In October 2024, Islam and Paul were posthumously inducted into the Barrie Sports Hall of Fame for their contributions to the local sports community.

Early life and background

Family influences

Mitchell Islam was born on January 24, 1990, in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. Islam's entry into figure skating was profoundly shaped by his family's deep involvement in the sport. His mother, Debbie Islam (née Albright), was a competitive figure skater who achieved success as the Canadian junior ladies' champion and earned a bronze medal at the 1979 Canadian Figure Skating Championships in senior ladies, later transitioning into a role as a skating judge. His father, David Islam, has served as a prominent skating coach and Director of Ice Dance at the Mariposa School of Skating in Barrie. This familial legacy created an environment where skating was a central activity from an early age. Growing up in Barrie, Islam was exposed to figure skating through regular family activities at local rinks, including the Mariposa School of Skating, where his parents' professional commitments provided direct access to training and the skating community. This early immersion, influenced by his parents' expertise and passion, laid the foundational motivations for his own pursuit of the sport.

Introduction to skating

Mitchell Islam began skating in 1993 at the age of three, joining the Barrie Skating Club in his hometown of Barrie, Ontario. His early training occurred at local clubs in Barrie, including the Barrie Figure Skating Club, where he developed foundational skating abilities through structured programs. Influenced by his family's involvement in the sport—particularly his father David Islam, a coach at the nearby Mariposa School of Skating—Islam progressed from recreational skating to more formal instruction, balancing it with other youth activities like hockey during his formative years. Prior to entering competitive partnerships, Islam focused on basic skills, juvenile, and novice levels at these clubs. These experiences laid the groundwork for his transition into paired competition around age ten.

Competitive career

Partnership with Joanna Lenko

Mitchell Islam formed an ice dance partnership with Joanna Lenko in 2000, marking his entry into competitive ice dance at the junior level. The duo trained primarily at the Mariposa School of Skating under the guidance of Islam's father, David Islam, who served as their coach. This early training environment provided a strong foundation in technical elements and performance, building on Islam's prior solo skating experience. Over their eight-year collaboration, Lenko and Islam achieved notable success in junior international competitions, earning three medals on the ISU Junior Grand Prix (JGP) series. They secured silver medals at the 2006 JGP Budapest in Hungary and the 2007 JGP Lake Placid in the United States, along with a bronze medal at the 2007 JGP Tallinn Cup in Estonia. These results qualified them for the 2007 JGP Final, though they ultimately withdrew. Domestically, the pair collected multiple medals at the Canadian Junior Championships, with their peak performance being a silver medal in 2007 behind Vanessa Crone and Paul Poirier. The partnership concluded in 2008 through a mutual decision, as both skaters aimed to transition to senior-level opportunities. This split allowed Islam to seek a new partner for higher competition while Lenko pursued other endeavors in skating.

Partnership with Alexandra Paul

Mitchell Islam teamed up with Alexandra Paul in February 2009 to form an ice dancing partnership that would become his most successful and enduring collaboration. The duo, both from the Barrie area, initially trained at the Mariposa School of Skating in Orillia, Ontario, building on Islam's prior junior experience with a different partner. Their early synergy was evident in their debut season, where they claimed the Canadian junior ice dance title and earned a silver medal at the 2010 World Junior Championships in The Hague, Netherlands, after skating together for just over a year. Following a fifth-place finish at the 2012 Canadian Championships, Paul and Islam relocated in June 2012 to the Detroit Skating Club in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, to train full-time under coaches Angelika Krylova and Pasquale Camerlengo. This move marked a pivotal evolution in their training, immersing them in a competitive environment alongside other top international teams and contributing to improved technical and artistic elements in their programs. The partnership transitioned to the senior level in the 2010–2011 season, where they secured their first senior national bronze medal at the 2011 Canadian Championships, establishing themselves as consistent contenders. The 2013–2014 season represented a breakthrough, highlighted by a bronze medal at the 2013 Nebelhorn Trophy in Oberstdorf, Germany, and another national bronze at the 2014 Canadian Championships, which qualified them for the Sochi Winter Olympics. At the 2014 Olympics, they placed 18th overall, marking Canada's sole ice dance representation and showcasing their growth on the global stage. They followed this with a 10th-place finish at the 2014 World Championships in Saitama, Japan. The duo repeated their national success with bronzes at the 2015 Canadian Championships and maintained strong international showings, including a 12th place at the 2015 World Championships in Shanghai, China. After the 2014–2015 season, Paul and Islam switched coaches, joining Marie-France Dubreuil, Patrice Lauzon, and Romain Haguenauer at the Gadbois Centre in Montreal, Quebec. In the 2015–16 season, they earned bronze at the U.S. International Figure Skating Classic, placed eighth at Skate Canada International, and won another national bronze medal at the 2016 Canadian Championships. Their partnership concluded with the announcement of their competitive retirement on December 15, 2016, just weeks before the 2017 Canadian Championships. The decision was driven by a desire to complete their political science degrees at Oakland University and explore new opportunities beyond full-time competition, while expressing gratitude for their shared journey in the sport.

Post-competitive activities

Coaching role

Following his retirement from competitive ice dancing in 2016 after a decade-long partnership that included the 2014 Winter Olympics, Mitchell Islam transitioned to coaching at the Mariposa School of Skating in Barrie, Ontario, where he had trained earlier in his career. In his current role as Ice Dance Director at Mariposa, Islam oversees the development of ice dance programs for athletes at all levels, from beginners to elite competitors, while also providing training and choreography for singles, pairs, and synchronized skating disciplines. He coordinates the facility's Team Edge and Balance Program, focusing on foundational skating elements to build a strong technical base for participants across disciplines, including hockey players seeking improved agility and transitions. Islam's coaching philosophy centers on a balanced approach that prioritizes technical precision, artistic expression, and the overall well-being of athletes, informed by his own experiences as an Olympian and multiple-time Canadian medalist. He emphasizes sharing knowledge to empower skaters, fostering passion for the sport through personalized guidance that helps them overcome challenges and grow both on and off the ice. Under Islam's guidance, Mariposa has seen significant development in junior and senior ice dancers, contributing to Canada's national ice dance pipeline by producing competitive teams ready for international events. Notable pupils include the junior pair Summer Homick and Nicholas Buelow, whom he co-coaches; the duo achieved strong placements at the 2025 Junior Grand Prix series, including a podium finish in Varese, Italy, highlighting Islam's impact on emerging talent. As of 2025, Islam continues his leadership at Mariposa through hands-on coaching and specialized workshops, such as those on edge quality control and rotational skills during the annual seminar, as well as supporting national team efforts by accompanying athletes to competitions like the Junior World Championships.

Hall of fame recognitions

Mitchell Islam and his former ice dancing partner Alexandra Paul were inducted into the Barrie Sports Hall of Fame in the athlete category on October 2, 2024, recognizing their joint achievements as one of Canada's top ice dance teams. The induction honors their competitive legacy, including representation of Canada at the 2014 Sochi Olympics where they finished 18th, as well as three bronze medals at the Canadian National Skating Championships in 2011, 2014, and 2015. This accolade underscores Islam and Paul's contributions to Canadian figure skating and their ties to the Barrie community, where they trained at the Mariposa School of Skating and Barrie Skating Club before rising to international prominence. The partnership, formed in 2009, also earned them a silver medal at the 2010 World Junior Championships and a 10th-place finish at the senior World Championships in 2014. Paul, who passed away in 2023, had previously been individually inducted into the Springwater Sports Heritage Hall of Fame in 2021 for her skating accomplishments. At the 2024 induction ceremony, Islam reflected on the emotional significance of the honor, calling it a "dream come true" that celebrated their journey from local training grounds to the Olympic stage, even amid setbacks such as injuries that impacted their career. The recognition highlights the enduring impact of their partnership on the sport, emphasizing community involvement and athletic excellence in ice dancing.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Islam married his longtime ice dancing partner, Alexandra Paul, in September 2021, following their retirement from competitive skating. The couple welcomed their son, Charles—affectionately known as Charlie—in October 2022. The family resided in the Barrie area of Ontario, where Islam and Paul balanced parenthood with their shared passions in the figure skating world, remaining active in the local community through coaching and other pursuits.

Loss of Alexandra Paul

On August 22, 2023, Alexandra Paul, the wife of Mitchell Islam and a former competitive ice dancer, died in a multi-vehicle collision in Melancthon Township, Ontario. The 31-year-old was driving with her 10-month-old son, Charlie, when a transport truck entered a construction zone and struck several stationary vehicles, including hers; Paul was pronounced dead at the scene, while her son sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was hospitalized. The figure skating community responded with widespread tributes honoring Paul's contributions as an athlete, coach, and lawyer. Skate Canada described her as a "cherished member" whose passion and achievements, including her Olympic participation and multiple national medals with Islam, left a lasting legacy, extending condolences to her family. Similarly, the Mariposa School of Skating, where Paul trained and later coached alongside Islam, remembered her kindness, talent, and grace, noting the profound privilege of knowing her and offering support to her husband, son, and extended family. In the wake of the tragedy, Islam continued his role as Ice Dance Director at the Mariposa School of Skating, where he had transitioned to coaching after retiring from competition in 2016. During their joint posthumous induction into the Barrie Sports Hall of Fame in October 2024, Islam reflected on balancing his professional commitments with raising their son, crediting the local skating community for ongoing support amid his loss.

Programs and performances

With Lenko

Islam and Joanna Lenko began competing together in 2000, initially in domestic novice and pre-novice events before advancing to junior international competitions in 2005. Their partnership focused exclusively on the junior level, with no senior events entered through 2008. They earned three medals on the ISU Junior Grand Prix series, including silvers in Hungary (2006) and the United States (2007), and a bronze in Estonia (2007). At the national level, they achieved a fourth-place finish in 2006 and silver in 2007 among strong Canadian junior fields led by teams like Crone/Poirier and Knippel/Doleman. Their peak performances occurred in the 2006–07 season, highlighted by silver at the ISU JGP in Budapest and silver at the Canadian Junior Championships.

2005–06 season

Programs
  • CD: [Not specified in available sources]
  • OD: [Not specified]
  • FD: [Not specified]
Lenko and Islam made their ISU Junior Grand Prix debut with a ninth-place finish at the Tallinn Cup in Estonia. Competing against 15 teams, including eventual series medalists, they showed promise in their first international assignment. At the 2006 Canadian Junior Championships, they placed fourth overall with a total score of 133.74 points, trailing the podium by narrow margins in compulsory and original dances.

2006–07 season

Programs
  • CD: [Not specified]
  • OD: [Not specified]
  • FD: [Not specified]
The duo earned their first international medal with silver at the ISU JGP in Budapest, Hungary, scoring 142.08 points and finishing just 2.55 points behind gold medalists Bourgeois/Allain of Canada. They followed with fifth place at the ISU JGP in The Hague, Netherlands, amid a competitive field featuring European and North American pairs. At the 2007 Canadian Junior Championships, they secured silver with 143.78 points, placing second in original and free dances behind Crone/Poirier. This qualified them for the World Junior Championships, from which they withdrew after the original dance due to illness.

2007–08 season

Programs
  • CD: [Not specified]
  • OD: Two Guitars (traditional Russian Gypsy music)
  • FD: [Not specified]
Lenko and Islam opened with silver at the ISU JGP Lake Placid in the United States, achieving a personal best total of 142.79 points and placing second in all segments behind Samuelson/Bates. They added bronze at the ISU JGP Tallinn Cup in Estonia, scoring 137.70 points in a field of 13 teams. The pair withdrew from the 2008 Canadian Junior Championships due to injury, ending their season without a national placement.
SeasonEventLocationPlacement
2005–06ISU JGP Tallinn CupTallinn, Estonia9th
2005–06Canadian Championships (Junior)Ottawa, Canada4th
2006–07ISU JGP BudapestBudapest, Hungary2nd
2006–07ISU JGP The HagueThe Hague, Netherlands5th
2006–07Canadian Championships (Junior)Halifax, Canada2nd
2006–07World Junior ChampionshipsSofia, BulgariaWD
2007–08ISU JGP Lake PlacidLake Placid, USA2nd
2007–08ISU JGP Tallinn CupTallinn, Estonia3rd

With Paul

Alexandra Paul and Mitchell Islam formed their ice dancing partnership in February 2009 and competed together until 2016, transitioning rapidly from junior to senior levels with a focus on building competitive experience through international events. Their early success included a silver medal at the 2010 World Junior Championships, achieved after skating together for just over a year, which highlighted their potential and led to their move to the senior ranks. In the senior division, Paul and Islam earned three bronze medals at the Canadian Championships in 2011, 2014, and 2015, securing consistent national podium positions that qualified them for international assignments. Key international highlights encompassed a bronze medal at the 2013 Nebelhorn Trophy, which contributed to their momentum heading into the Olympic season, and a 10th-place finish at the 2014 World Championships following their Olympic debut. At the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, they placed 18th in ice dance, marking Canada's representation in the discipline after qualifying through national results and international performances like the Nebelhorn bronze. Their competitive trajectory emphasized steady improvement in Grand Prix and Challenger Series events, with placements ranging from 4th to 8th, culminating in a silver at the 2015 Nebelhorn Trophy and a 13th place at the 2015 World Championships before their final season in 2015–16. Programs (selected seasons; full details limited in sources)
  • 2009–10: [Not specified]
  • 2010–11 SD: Main theme from 2046, Havana Slide
  • 2015–16 SD: Ravensburger Waltz (with classical ballet elements)
  • 2016–17 SD: Big Spender (blues), Sing Sing Sing (swing)
  • Various FDs: e.g., Money Money from Cabaret (2016–17)
The following table summarizes their major competitive results from 2009 to 2016, organized by season and focusing on international and national senior events (junior results included only for the debut season). Placements reflect final standings unless noted.
SeasonEventPlacementNotes
2009–2010JGP Toruń4thJunior international
2009–2010JGP Istanbul5thJunior international
2009–2010Canadian Championships (Junior)1stNational
2009–2010World Junior Championships2ndInternational (silver medal)
2010–2011Skate Canada International4thSenior Grand Prix debut
2010–2011Canadian Championships3rdSenior national bronze
2011–2012Skate America8thSenior Grand Prix
2011–2012Nebelhorn Trophy5thSenior international
2011–2012Four Continents Championships6thSenior international
2011–2012Canadian Championships5thNational
2012–2013Nebelhorn Trophy3rdSenior international (bronze)
2012–2013U.S. International Classic2ndSenior international (silver)
2012–2013Skate Canada International5thSenior Grand Prix
2012–2013Canadian Championships4thNational
2013–2014Skate Canada International5thSenior Grand Prix
2013–2014Cup of China5thSenior Grand Prix
2013–2014Trophée Eric Bompard6thSenior Grand Prix
2013–2014Canadian Championships3rdSenior national bronze; Olympic qualification
2013–2014Winter Olympics (Sochi)18thSenior international
2013–2014World Championships10thSenior international
2014–2015Skate Canada Autumn Classic4thSenior Challenger
2014–2015Four Continents Championships6thSenior international
2014–2015Skate Canada International6thSenior Grand Prix
2014–2015Nebelhorn Trophy2ndSenior international (silver)
2014–2015Canadian Championships3rdSenior national bronze
2014–2015World Championships13thSenior international
2015–2016U.S. International Classic3rdSenior Challenger (bronze)
2015–2016Skate Canada International8thSenior Grand Prix
2015–2016Canadian Championships4thNational (pre-retirement)

Competitive highlights

With Lenko

Islam and Joanna Lenko began competing together in 2000, initially in domestic novice and pre-novice events before advancing to junior international competitions in 2005. Their partnership focused exclusively on the junior level, with no senior events entered through 2008. They earned three medals on the ISU Junior Grand Prix series, including silvers in Hungary (2006) and the United States (2007), and a bronze in Estonia (2007). At the national level, they achieved a fourth-place finish in 2006 and silver in 2007 among strong Canadian junior fields led by teams like Crone/Poirier and Knippel/Doleman. Their peak performances occurred in the 2006–07 season, highlighted by fifth place at the World Junior Championships, where they ranked behind medalists from the United States, Canada, and Russia.

2005–06 season

Lenko and Islam made their ISU Junior Grand Prix debut with a ninth-place finish at the Tallinn Cup in Estonia. Competing against 15 teams, including eventual series medalists, they showed promise in their first international assignment. At the 2006 Canadian Junior Championships, they placed fourth overall with a total score of 133.74 points, trailing the podium by narrow margins in compulsory and original dances.

2006–07 season

The duo earned their first international medal with silver at the ISU JGP in Budapest, Hungary, scoring 141.67 points and finishing just 2.55 points behind gold medalists Bourgeois/Allain of Canada. They followed with fifth place at the ISU JGP in The Hague, Netherlands, amid a competitive field featuring European and North American pairs. At the 2007 Canadian Junior Championships, they secured silver with 143.78 points, placing second in original and free dances behind Crone/Poirier. This qualified them for the World Junior Championships, where they finished fifth with 140.91 points, competing against 24 teams and outperforming several established pairs from Europe and Asia.

2007–08 season

Lenko and Islam opened with silver at the ISU JGP Lake Placid in the United States, achieving a personal best total of 142.79 points and placing second in all segments behind Samuelson/Bates. They added bronze at the ISU JGP Tallinn Cup in Estonia, scoring 140.64 points in a field of 13 teams. The pair withdrew from the 2008 Canadian Junior Championships due to illness, ending their season without a national placement.
SeasonEventLocationPlacement
2005–06ISU JGP Tallinn CupTallinn, Estonia9th
2005–06Canadian Championships (Junior)Ottawa, Canada4th
2006–07ISU JGP BudapestBudapest, Hungary2nd
2006–07ISU JGP The HagueThe Hague, Netherlands5th
2006–07Canadian Championships (Junior)Halifax, Canada2nd
2006–07World Junior ChampionshipsSofia, Bulgaria5th
2007–08ISU JGP Lake PlacidLake Placid, USA2nd
2007–08ISU JGP Tallinn CupTallinn, Estonia3rd

With Paul

Alexandra Paul and Mitchell Islam formed their ice dancing partnership in February 2009 and competed together until 2016, transitioning rapidly from junior to senior levels with a focus on building competitive experience through international events. Their early success included a silver medal at the 2010 World Junior Championships, achieved after skating together for just over a year, which highlighted their potential and led to their move to the senior ranks. In the senior division, Paul and Islam earned three bronze medals at the Canadian Championships in 2011, 2014, and 2015, securing consistent national podium positions that qualified them for international assignments. Key international highlights encompassed a bronze medal at the 2013 Nebelhorn Trophy, which contributed to their momentum heading into the Olympic season, and a 10th-place finish at the 2014 World Championships following their Olympic debut. At the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, they placed 18th in ice dance, marking Canada's representation in the discipline after qualifying through national results and international performances like the Nebelhorn bronze. Their competitive trajectory emphasized steady improvement in Grand Prix and Challenger Series events, with placements ranging from 4th to 8th, culminating in a silver at the 2015 Nebelhorn Trophy and a 13th place at the 2015 World Championships before their final season in 2015–16. The following table summarizes their major competitive results from 2009 to 2016, organized by season and focusing on international and national senior events (junior results included only for the debut season). Placements reflect final standings unless noted.
SeasonEventPlacementNotes
2009–2010JGP Toruń4thJunior international
2009–2010JGP Istanbul5thJunior international
2009–2010Canadian Championships (Junior)1stNational
2009–2010World Junior Championships2ndInternational (silver medal)
2010–2011Skate Canada International4thSenior Grand Prix debut
2010–2011Canadian Championships3rdSenior national bronze
2011–2012Skate America8thSenior Grand Prix
2011–2012Nebelhorn Trophy5thSenior international
2011–2012Four Continents Championships6thSenior international
2011–2012Canadian Championships5thNational
2012–2013Nebelhorn Trophy3rdSenior international (bronze)
2012–2013U.S. International Classic4thSenior international
2012–2013Skate Canada International5thSenior Grand Prix
2012–2013Canadian Championships4thNational
2013–2014Skate Canada International5thSenior Grand Prix
2013–2014Cup of China5thSenior Grand Prix
2013–2014Trophée Eric Bompard6thSenior Grand Prix
2013–2014Canadian Championships3rdSenior national bronze; Olympic qualification
2013–2014Winter Olympics (Sochi)18thSenior international
2013–2014World Championships10thSenior international
2014–2015Skate Canada Autumn Classic4thSenior Challenger
2014–2015Four Continents Championships6thSenior international
2014–2015Skate Canada International6thSenior Grand Prix
2014–2015Nebelhorn Trophy2ndSenior international (silver)
2014–2015Canadian Championships3rdSenior national bronze
2014–2015World Championships13thSenior international
2015–2016U.S. International Classic3rdSenior Challenger (bronze)
2015–2016Skate Canada International8thSenior Grand Prix
2015–2016Canadian Championships4thNational (pre-retirement)

References

  1. https://www.olympedia.org/athletes/127484
  2. https://olympic.ca/team-canada/mitchell-islam/
  3. https://www.olympics.com/en/news/2014-olympic-figure-skater-alexandra-paul-dead-at-31
  4. https://www.isuresults.com/bios/isufs00012269.htm
  5. https://skatemariposa.com/in-memory-of-alexandra-paul-islam/
  6. https://skatemariposa.com/coach/mitchell-islam/
  7. https://barriesportshalloffame.ca/inductee/mitchell-islam-alexandra-paul/
  8. https://www.goldenskate.com/paul-and-islam-hope-to-continue-to-rise/
  9. https://www.ice-dance.com/site/a-summer-of-change-for-paul-islam/
  10. https://www.uptheladdersideways.com/on-the-nature-of-work-alexandra-paul-and-mitch-islam/
  11. http://www.isuresults.com/bios/isufs00012269.htm
  12. https://www.simcoe.com/news/barrie-olympians-proud-of-achievement/article_29e122de-3d80-54d6-8fae-7a7604294701.html
  13. http://www.isuresults.com/bios/isufs00008903.htm
  14. http://www.isuresults.com/bios/isufs_cr_00008903.htm
  15. https://figure-skating.fandom.com/wiki/2006_JGP_Hungary
  16. http://www.isuresults.com/results/jgpusa2007/CAT004EN.HTM
  17. https://www.ice-dance.com/site/2007-jgp-final-preview/
  18. https://www.goldenskate.com/2007-canadian-national-figure-skating-championships-ice-dance-highlights/
  19. https://books.google.com/books/about/Joanna_Lenko.html?id=vJ-QtgAACAAJ
  20. https://www.ice-dance.com/site/team-idc-blog-2007-jgp-lake-placid/
  21. https://www.goldenskate.com/forum/threads/joanna-lenko-and-mitchell-islam.22347/
  22. https://isu-skating.com/figure-skating/skaters/pairs/alexandra-paul-mitchell-islam/
  23. https://olympic.ca/team-canada/alexandra-paul/
  24. https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/2014/02/07/detroit-is-destination-for-foreign-skaters-competing-in-olympics/
  25. https://www.cbc.ca/sports/olympics/winter/figure-skating/sochi-olympic-ice-dancers-paul-islam-1.3898495
  26. https://www.goldenskate.com/forum/threads/alexandra-paul-and-mitchell-islam-retire.61954/
  27. https://toronto.citynews.ca/2016/12/15/canadian-ice-dancers-and-sochi-olympians-paul-and-islam-announce-retirement/
  28. https://www.twofortheice.com/homick-and-buelow-turn-a-new-page/
  29. https://www.ice-dance.com/site/new-team-series-summer-homick-nicholas-buelow/
  30. https://www.isu-skating.com/figure-skating/skaters/pairs/summer-homick-nicholas-buelow
  31. https://www.facebook.com/SkateOntario/posts/-new-on-in-the-loop-ice-dancers-summer-homick-and-nicholas-buelow-shine-on-the-j/1431826041822097/
  32. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJDDpBEttsg
  33. https://www.facebook.com/SkateMariposa/videos/seminar-2025-roll-call-mitch-islam-brings-elite-insight-to-edge-quality-control-/674808585398449/
  34. https://www.instagram.com/p/DOjNlQZEdzF/
  35. https://www.orilliamatters.com/local-sports/hall-of-fame-induction-dream-come-true-for-area-ice-dance-couple-9678482
  36. https://www.springwatersportsheritage.ca/hall-of-fame/athletes/alexandra-paul
  37. https://www.ice-dance.com/site/remembering-alexandra-paul/
  38. https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/adams/obituaries/alexandra-jane-paul/108492.html
  39. https://www.ctvnews.ca/barrie/article/former-figure-skating-olympian-from-barrie-ont-identified-as-new-mom-killed-in-melancthon-crash/
  40. https://www.simcoe.com/life/olympic-skaters-retire-but-keep-barrie-connection/article_bbc759f7-6e23-51a7-b5b0-66fb8657b10e.html
  41. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66637282
  42. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/28/sports/alexandra-paul-figure-skater-killed.html
  43. https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/38269392/canadian-olympic-figure-skater-alexandra-paul-dies-car-crash
  44. https://skatecanada.ca/2023/08/25/skate-canada-mourns-the-passing-of-olympian-alexandra-paul/
  45. https://www.ice-dance.com/site/results-2007-canadian-national-championships/
  46. https://www.ice-dance.com/site/results-2006-canadian-national-championships/
  47. http://www.isuresults.com/results/jgphun2006/CAT004EN.HTM
  48. https://www.goldenskate.com/bobrova-and-soloviev-maintain-lead-at-junior-worlds/
  49. https://www.goldenskate.com/forum/threads/canada-world-results-2008.18809/page-3
  50. http://www.isuresults.com/bios/isufs_cr_00012269.htm
  51. https://pjkwong.com/catching-up-with/alexandra-paul-and-mitchell-islam/
  52. https://www.twofortheice.com/behind-the-program-ep-4-paul-and-islam-2015-16-short-dance/
  53. http://www.isuresults.com/results/wjc2007/CAT004EN.HTM
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