Gilles, Poirier struggle at Grand Prix final after fall in rhythm dance
Canadian ice dancers Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier faced a tough challenge at the ISU Grand Prix Final in Grenoble, France. The duo, hailing from Toronto and Unionville, Ont., respectively, found themselves in last place out of six teams after the rhythm dance event on Friday. Poirier’s unexpected fall, caused by catching his foot on the boards, was a disappointing setback for the pair.
Reflecting on their performance, Poirier acknowledged the need to focus on the positives and make necessary improvements for future competitions. Despite their disappointing finish, Gilles and Poirier remained optimistic about the lessons learned from their experience in Grenoble.
With a score of 72.15 points, Gilles and Poirier had to regroup and shift their focus to the upcoming free dance event. As former Grand Prix Final champions in 2022 and bronze medallists in 2023, the pair was determined to bounce back from their setback and showcase their resilience on the ice.
Meanwhile, Marjorie Lajoie of Boucherville, Que., and Zachary Lagha of Saint-Hubert, Que., emerged as the leading Canadian team heading into the free dance after a strong performance in the rhythm dance, earning 77.73 points. Lagha expressed satisfaction with their performance, emphasizing the importance of giving their best effort regardless of the outcome.
In the pairs event, Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin successfully defended their Grand Prix Final title, overcoming an early setback to clinch victory with a total score of 218.10. The German pair faced stiff competition from Japan’s Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, who secured second place with a total score of 206.71.
As the competition unfolded, world champion Ilia Malinin stole the spotlight with a commanding lead in the short program, scoring 105.43 points. The American skater delivered a near-flawless performance, showcasing his technical prowess and artistry on the ice. Despite facing challenges from other contenders, Malinin’s impressive showing positioned him as the frontrunner heading into the free skate.
Overall, the ISU Grand Prix Final in Grenoble, France, proved to be a thrilling showcase of talent and determination from elite figure skaters around the world. As the competition continued, each skater and team aimed to deliver their best performances and leave a lasting impression on the judges and spectators alike.
