Canada's Joannie Rochette is proving she can skate with the best women in the world. (Lee Jin-man/Associated Press)

The eyes of figure skating fans are trained on Gothenburg, Sweden, where the world championships are underway. Debbi Wilkes, director of sponsorship and marketing for Skate Canada, is in the eye of the storm. Wilkes, a former world-class skater, spoke to CBC Sports Online about Canadian medal prospects, the pressure of competition and life on the streets of Gothenburg.

CBCSports.ca: A record number of entries (203) are competing at the worlds. What kind of atmosphere does this create at the rink and in nearby hotels, restaurants, etc?

Wilkes: It's electric here. The whole city is on fire with interest in the event and I hear the entire country knows all about it. Everything is busy, even the grocery stores. More and more people keep arriving every day. Everyone smiles here!

CBCSports.ca: This is the first time in over 30 years that Sweden has hosted the championships. What kind of reception has the local population given skaters, coaches, etc.?

Wilkes: People can't seem to do enough. When the bus drives up carrying visitors, people run up from everywhere. [Volunteers] wear bright pink scarves so you know exactly who to go to when you need help. There are spring flowers and orchids potted everywhere in the hotel and in the hallways to the rink, as well as everywhere at the rink. It gives a stunning impression.

CBCSports.ca: Some observers are saying Canadian Jeffrey Buttle could challenge for a medal in the men's competition because he has returned to winning form. From your vantage point, how is Buttle dealing with those high expectations?

Wilkes: I haven't seen Jeff yet ... He just arrived today but I have every reason to believe he's out to move back to the podium.

CBCSports.ca: Canadian Patrick Chan, meanwhile, has had a stellar season, winning a bronze medal at Skate America and a gold at Trophée Eric Bompard. However, his personal best so far this season is 214.94 points and Skate Canada would like him to earn a total of 240 points in the men's competition at the worlds. Why such a tall order?

Wilkes: When Patrick referred to that number (240) it was after a conversation with our high performance director, Mike Slipchuk. They had been talking about how many points Patrick would get if they both got their wish. Of course, Patrick wants to aim high. Otherwise why be here? But he also realizes there are some other great skaters here who might have something to say with their performances, too.

CBCSports.ca: Canadian Joannie Rochette won a silver medal in the ladies competition at the Four Continents, proving she can skate with the best in the world. She's going to attempt a triple flip-triple toe combination in the free skate at the worlds. Having watched her compete and train, and having spoken to her, how likely is she to do that?

Wilkes:Jo has been constantly nailing those triple-triples here in practice, and now she really knows in her heart they are there for her if she attacks the program. She also knows if she wants to be on the podium she will have to have them the day of competition.

CBCSports.ca: Many observers predict Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, the newly crowned Canadian and Four Continents champions, will reach the medal podium. There is quite a bit of excitement about this duo. To what extent is that excitement palpable in Sweden?

Wilkes: All you have to do is look around the rink during their practice and see the walls of photographers, and you know they are considered prime candidates for the podium.

CBCSports.ca: Canadian pair skaters Jessica Dubé and Bryce Davison had a great Grand Prix season, qualifying for their first final. But they struggled at nationals in January. How do they seem to be feeling now, heading into the worlds?

Wilkes: They are strong and beautiful and refocused on the purity of style that has made them so successful. They are jumping better than ever.

CBCSports.ca: Canadian pairs skaters Annabelle Langlois and Cody Hay scored a major upset at the nationals, beating Dube and Davison. But they later pulled out of the Four Continents because Langlois suffered a broken rib and battled kidney stones. She recently said she was struggling with her confidence. What sense do you get from talking to her? Does she seem to be regaining some confidence?

Wilkes: The team has grown and improved even since Canadians. They are skating like true champions. It's amazing the kind of confidence a title can give you!

CBCSports.ca: As a former world-class skater, you know what it's like to be a competitor at a high-profile competition. How do skaters deal with pressure and intense scrutiny? [Editors note: Wilkes competed in the pairs event in the 1960s, winning two Canadian titles and a bronze medal with Guy Revell at the 1964 Winter Olympics.]

Wilkes: Some love it and rise to the occasion, making more improvements during the week of the world championships than at any other time before. Others shrivel from the experience. You never know how any particular event is going to feel, at least not 100 per cent. Skaters train hard so that they are at least 80 per cent, even on a bad day. Anybody can pull it off on a good day, but it takes real talent, skill and determination to do that on a bad day.