Canada Advances Three Ice Dance Pairs to Italy 2026 Finals
Canada is making a significant mark in the ice dance category for the upcoming 2026 Olympics in Milan-Cortina. Three Canadian pairs have successfully qualified for the finals, showcasing exceptional performances on the ice.
Canadian Ice Dance Pairs Excel
The ice dance rhythm segment on Monday saw Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier rise to prominence with a third-place standing. They scored an impressive 86.18, marking their best result of the season thus far.
- Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier: 3rd place with 86.18 points.
- Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha: 8th place with 79.66 points.
- Marie-Jade Lauriault and Romain Le Gac: 15th place.
Competition Details
The finals will take place on Wednesday afternoon, Eastern Time. A total of 20 out of 23 competing duos will advance to the finals, setting the stage for an exhilarating contest.
French Rivals Shine
All eyes are on the French duo Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron, who secured the top position with a score of 90.18. They narrowly edged out American pair Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who earned 89.72 points.
- Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron: 1st place with 90.18 points.
- Madison Chock and Evan Bates: 2nd place with 89.72 points.
Artistic Choices and Performances
Fournier Beaudry, originally from Montreal, now competes for France. Their routine, inspired by Madonna’s “Vogue,” incorporated elements of voguing and presented a significant technical challenge. The couple expressed their delight with the result, sharing their aspirations for gold. Cizeron stated, “We are very ambitious. We came here to win gold.”
The American pair, known for their impressive performances, delivered a powerful show on Lenny Kravitz’s music but fell slightly short of their personal best. Their performance, in a striking sequined outfit, energized the crowd. However, some spectators reacted negatively to their final score.
As the competition progresses, both the Canadians and their rivals are set for an exciting finale. With strong performances and ambitions high, the Olympic ice dance scene is ablaze with anticipation for the Tokyo 2026 Games.
