This is where we discuss figure skating and skating related items. How did you favourite skaters perform, and so on? However we never speculate on the private lives of skaters, like who might be going out with whom, because that is poison and is not tolerated here. A good guideline is that if it's not publicly announced, in the papers etc. then it's probably best to leave it alone. Is it a gray area? Then write to me and ask.
Alexandra Paul, wife and former ice dance partner of Mitch Islam, was killed in a tragic accident earlier this week. Their son, Charlie, who was with her in the car was injured and is being treated in hospital.
Mitch, now a coach at Mariposa, is the son of coach David Islam and skating judge/referee Debbie Islam. He was busy at the boards at the recent Skate Ontario event. Alexandra was working as a lawyer but was still on maternity leave, i believe.
My heart breaks for everyone impacted - they are in my prayers
Oh no...I just saw this on the news and started crying. It's so sad for Charlie and Mitch to lose their mother and wife. To lose one's mother at any age, let alone so young, is just devastating. His life will never be the same and it's so unfair.
"At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more, When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death, And when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again.” (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis)
Skate Canada Mourns the Passing of Olympian Alexandra Paul
August 25, 2023/by Skate Canada
It is with a heavy heart that Skate Canada announces the sudden passing of a cherished member of our skating community, Alexandra Paul. A shining star on and off the ice, Alexandra’s dedication, passion, and remarkable talents have left an indelible mark on the world of figure skating.
During her illustrious career, Alexandra and partner Mitchell Islam won multiple international medals, claimed three Canadian Championship medals and competed at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games. Her commitment to excellence was matched only by her warmth and kindness, which endeared her to fellow athletes, coaches, and fans alike.
As we remember Alexandra’s contributions to the sport, we also reflect on the camaraderie and sportsmanship she exemplified. She was not only an accomplished athlete but also a true role model for aspiring skaters, demonstrating the values of resilience, perseverance, and sportsmanlike conduct.
Our thoughts are with Alexandra’s family, friends, and everyone who was fortunate enough to know her during this difficult time.
Alexandra PAUL Obituary
ALEXANDRA JANE PAUL September 16, 1991 - August 22, 2023 Our wonderful talented daughter, wife, mother, and friend was taken from us suddenly in a motor vehicle accident August 22, 2023. Alex lived an amazing life for her almost 32 years. Her busy happy youth was spent at the cottage with family, taking dance classes but mostly figure skating at the Mariposa School of Skating in Barrie. It was on the rink that she met her skating partner, love of her life and future husband, Mitchell. They formed a beautiful ice dance team, soon winning the Canadian Junior Ice Dance Championship, and a Silver Medal at the World Junior Figure Skating Championships. As members of Canada's Senior National Figure Skating Team, they were 3-time medallists at the Canadian Senior National Championships and competed twice at the World Figure Skating Championships. The highlight of her career was competing at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi. Alex was not only a talented athlete, she was also a strong, smart and driven person. When she retired from skating, she knew that the legal profession was her next calling. She completed her Law Degree at the University of Windsor and began her career at Barriston Law in Barrie. She loved the challenge and the work. Alex and Mitch were talented skaters, but more importantly they formed a beautiful loving partnership. They were married in September, 2021 and welcomed their son Charlie in October, 2022. Motherhood was her biggest joy. She embraced it with all the love and passion she had. For those of us lucky enough to raise her, live with her, love her, or just know her, this is an enormous loss. We were just fortunate to be part of her all too short life. In the words of a friend's condolence message 'Alex was a bright light that touched the hearts of many. She made a difference.' Alex is survived by her loving husband, Mitchell; her son, Charlie; parents, Gordon and Anne; and her sisters, Katharine (Kyle) and Elizabeth (Rob). The three sisters had a solid friendship, and they all made sure that the physical distance from each other was never an impediment to their almost daily communication. She will be sadly missed by her grandparents, Donald Paul (Joan, deceased 2019), Tink and Dan Standret; Mitch's parents, David and Debbie Islam; aunts; uncles; cousins; her extended Islam family and all who knew her. The family will be holding a private family service. A reception will be held to celebrate and honour Alex's life on Thursday, August 31 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Barrie Country Club, 635 St. Vincent Street North, Barrie. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Hospital for Sick Children, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie, or the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County. A GoFundMe page has been set up for her beloved baby, Charlie Islam, at www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-baby-cha ... e=customer.
Published by The Globe and Mail from Aug. 26 to Aug. 30, 2023.
It includes a fun photo from the Sochi Olympics of Weaver & Poje and Paul & Islam cheering on the CDN team at speed skating
The tribute concludes:
Alexandra Paul is survived by her husband Mitchell Islam and son Charles. She will be remembered fondly by the Skating family as an outstanding athlete and role model on and off the ice.
The ISU pays tribute to Alexandra Paul and will remember her with great affection.
Team IDC has collated the following editorials from professional journalists to celebrate Alexandra Paul’s contributions to ice dance as well as her kind, friendly and joyful spirit.
Alexandra Paul, wife and former ice dance partner of Mitch Islam, was killed in a tragic accident earlier this week. Their son, Charlie, who was with her in the car was injured and is being treated in hospital.
