Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier are gearing up for what might be their final competitive season, but they are focused on winning a medal at the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Games in February. The Canadian ice dance duo, entering their 15th season together, has their sights set on standing on the podium at the Olympics.
Despite speculation about this potentially being their last season, Gilles and Poirier are concentrating on the present rather than contemplating their future in the sport. Their coach, Carol Lane, anticipates this season to be their swan song, adding a sentimental touch to their journey.
Revisiting their acclaimed “Vincent” free dance program from the 2018-19 season, Gilles and Poirier are infusing new elements into their routine, labeling it as “Vincent Reimagined.” They believe this program embodies their essence as skaters and are eager to showcase it at the Olympic stage.
Having already participated in two Olympics, Gilles and Poirier have experienced the highs and lows of competitive skating. After placing seventh in Beijing in 2022, they have evolved both as athletes and individuals, focusing on their confidence and training to propel them forward.
Looking ahead, Gilles and Poirier are fully concentrated on their upcoming competition at Skate Canada International, aiming to secure their sixth consecutive title. Their approach to taking each season as it comes has served them well, allowing them to stay grounded and fully invested in their current endeavors.
Meanwhile, Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps, the reigning world champions, are set to showcase their groundbreaking assisted backflip move to Canadian fans. Their remarkable feat in the Grand Prix de France has garnered attention, highlighting their innovative approach to figure skating.
In the men’s division, the spotlight is on Ilia Malinin, the reigning world champion from the United States, competing against top Canadian contenders like Roman Sadovsky and Stephen Gogolev. The women’s event features rising star Ami Nakai from Japan and Canadian standout Madeline Schizas vying for top honors.
