As Canadian ice dance veterans Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier embark on what may be their final season, all eyes are set on the 2024 Skate Canada International in Saskatoon. With the Milan-Cortina Games just months away, their singular aim is clear: to earn an Olympic medal. “This is an Olympic season, and we want to be on the podium,” Poirier stated emphatically. Rather than viewing this season as a farewell, their strategy focuses on navigating the complexities of Olympic pressures and distractions.
Entering their 15th season, Gilles and Poirier are strong contenders in the ice dance world. With a remarkable streak of medals at the last three world championships, including bronze in 2023 and consecutive silver accolades, the duo is poised for great things in Milan. At 34 years old, both skaters are committed to making every moment count, a sentiment echoed by their longtime coach, Carol Lane, who predicts that this will be their swan song.
“This will be the end,” Lane said. “So many memories in just 14 years.” If it is indeed their last season, they are keenly aware of its significance. The pair is revisiting their beloved “Vincent” free dance program, which they believe truly encapsulates their essence as skaters. However, they’re not merely recycling the old routine. “We decided to call the program ‘Vincent Reimagined,’” Poirier explained, highlighting that many changes have been made, reflecting their growth and maturity as artists and athletes.
Having previously competed in two Olympic games, Gilles and Poirier hold aspirations high for Milan after enjoying an emotional debut in Pyeongchang and coping with pressure during the 2022 Beijing Games. “We forgot our ‘why’ amid the stress,” Gilles reflected, noting a newfound understanding of leveraging their inherent skills over external expectations.
As they approach the SaskTel Centre, the prospect of clinching a sixth consecutive title dares to excite. Embracing a spirited yet focused approach, Gilles shared, “We’re just truly enjoying the work that we’re doing right now.” Meanwhile, Lane embraces the journey, treating it as a celebration filled with moments that foster nostalgia and joy.
Fans can also anticipate the electrifying performances of Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps, who continue to impress with their history-making assisted backflip. As the competition heats up, expect entertaining showdowns across all disciplines, reaffirming that figure skating never rests on its laurel.
