Canadian ice dancers Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier performed in the free dance event at the Skate Canada International competition held in Halifax on Sunday. (Darren Calabrese/Canadian Press)
Canada’s leading ice dance pair, Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier have once again clinched victory at the Skate Canada International, marking their fifth consecutive gold medal win. Competing in Halifax’s Scotiabank Centre, Gilles and Poirier dominated the event with a total score of 214.84 points, beginning their new season with an impressive first-place finish. This success follows their silver medal at the World Championships last March, a performance that has only strengthened their confidence and preparation for the upcoming season.
Gilles reflected on their growth, noting that a strong first performance has bolstered their confidence: “Starting the season with this event could’ve been nerve-wracking, but we didn’t feel it this time.” Both 32, Gilles and Poirier have been making decisions about their competitive future annually since the 2022 Olympics. Now, they’re back with renewed commitment, setting their sights on competing through the 2026 Winter Olympics with a sense that they have more to achieve.
The pair’s decision to compete this season came easier, Poirier shared. “We felt organized and ready to return to the ice. Starting our music research earlier this year helped us prepare well, so we felt strong for our first competition.” They opened the event with a dynamic rhythm dance to The Beach Boys, building a comfortable lead. On Sunday, they followed with a “tango-essence” free dance to Annie Lennox’s rendition of “A Whiter Shade of Pale,” earning the highest free dance score of the event. Their routines captivated the audience, showcasing both their technical prowess and their vibrant interpretation.
Joining former Canadian champions Shae-Lynn Bourne and Victor Kraatz, Gilles and Poirier are now among the only duos to have won five consecutive Skate Canada titles. “Bourne and Kraatz set the standard for ice dance in Canada. It’s an honour to be part of their legacy,” Gilles shared, gesturing to fellow Canadian competitors Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha, who finished with silver and a score of 199.90 points. France’s Evgenia Lopareva and Geoffrey Brissaud earned bronze with 194.25 points.
Lajoie and Lagha, Canada’s 2019 junior world champions, delivered a remarkable free dance to “The Sound of Silence,” winning the audience’s admiration. This performance marked a comeback for Lagha, who had a fall during their rhythm dance. Reflecting on his improvement, he credited his mental preparation and focus, a strategy that helped him bounce back confidently for the free skate.
In the men’s competition, American Ilia Malinin stole the spotlight, scoring an impressive 301.82 points to take gold. His vampire-themed routine included a backflip and earned a standing ovation. Despite a minor error during his quad loop, Malinin showcased his resilience and determination, competing for back-to-back Grand Prix wins after his recent Skate America title. Japan’s Shun Sato and South Korea’s Junhwan Cha took silver and bronze, respectively. Canada’s Aleksa Rakic finished seventh, noting his progress in scoring and seeing room for continued improvement.As the figure skating Grand Prix continues, the next event will be the Grand Prix de France from November 1-3, offering another opportunity for these skaters to showcase their skills on the international stage.
