ISU

Alexandra Paul (L) and Mitchell Islam (CAN) 2015 ISU World Figure Skating Championships Shanghai (CHN). @GettyImages

It is with deep regret and sorrow that the ISU has learned of the passing of former Ice Dancer and Olympian Alexandra Paul (CAN) who tragically lost her life in a motor vehicle accident on August 22, 2023 at age 31.

Alexandra Paul was born on September 16, 1991, in Toronto (CAN) and began her international Ice Dance career in the 2008/2009 season with Jason Cheperdak. The couple competed at the ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating in that season and won the bronze medal at the 2009 National Junior Championships. However, they split up shortly afterwards. Paul found her new partner and future husband in Mitchell Islam in her club, the Mariposa School of Skating.

Paul/Islam were successful right away. They placed fourth and fifth in their two ISU Junior Grand Prix events in 2009 and went on to claim the silver medal at the ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships 2010 just a year after teaming up.

The Canadian dancers moved up to the senior level the following season and collected international medals and top placements. They finished as high as sixth at the ISU Four Continents Championships 2012 and 2015, and tenth at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2014. They qualified for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games where they came in 18th.

Paul/Islam retired from competing in 2016. She pursued her studies, completed a law degree at the University of Windsor and became a practicing attorney in 2021. The same year in September, Paul married her former ice partner and their son Charles was born in October 2022.

“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,” Skate Canada said in a statement.

“Her commitment to excellence was matched only by her warmth and kindness, which endeared her to fellow athletes, coaches, and fans alike.”

“To know Alex was an absolute privilege”, the International Training Center Skate Mariposa said in a statement published on X (Twitter).

“Her kindness was deeply rooted and present in all that she did. We are devastated by the loss of this talented, loving woman; a mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend, Olympian, lawyer, and so much more to those of us lucky to have been in her presence. Alex will forever be in our hearts.”

Kaitlyn Weaver, Andrew Poje, Alexandra Paul and Mitchell Islam (CAN) pictured during a Speed Skating competition in Sochi (RUS) @GettyImages

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.