Lee Barkell

Figure Skating

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As one of Canada’s most respected figure skating coaches, Lee Barkell has shaped the careers of national, world, and Olympic champions for more than three decades. Originally from Kirkland Lake, Barkell began his training at the Mariposa School of Skating in Orillia before competing internationally with his partner and wife, Melanie (Gaylor) Barkell. The pair won the Canadian Junior Pairs title in 1986 and represented Canada at several international competitions, capturing three gold medals.

After retiring from competition in 1990, Barkell became Pairs Director at Mariposa, later coaching at the Toronto Cricket and Curling Club, and currently serves as Head Competitive Coach at the Granite Club in Toronto. He has coached at four Olympic Games and over 35 consecutive Canadian Championships, with his athletes earning more than 140 national and international medals.

A three-time recipient of the Skate Canada Coaching Award of Excellence, Barkell is also a long-standing mentor in Skate Canada’s Coaching Mentorship Program and has served on numerous provincial and national committees. In 2022, he was inducted into the Skate Canada Hall of Fame.

Lee and his wife, Melanie, have raised their three children in Barrie, where his contributions to sport and community continue to inspire.