Olympic Bronze Medalists to Lead Canadian Charge at World Championships
Fresh off their podium success at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, ice dancers Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier have been named as the headline athletes for Canada's team at the upcoming World Figure Skating Championships. The duo, who captured a bronze medal in the ice dance competition in Italy, will bring their signature artistry and technical prowess to the global stage once again.
A Proven Partnership on the International Stage
The selection of Gilles and Poirier underscores their status as one of the world's premier ice dance teams. Their performance at the Olympics, celebrated with a score of 214.86 points, demonstrated a compelling blend of intricate footwork, seamless synchronization, and emotional storytelling that has become their trademark. This world championship appearance marks another chapter in their long-standing partnership, which has consistently delivered results for Canada on the international circuit.
The Canadian team announcement, made public on February 23, 2026, solidifies the nation's competitive lineup for the prestigious event. Gilles and Poirier's experience and recent Olympic success are expected to provide leadership and inspiration to their teammates across all disciplines, including men's and women's singles and pairs skating.
Building Momentum from Olympic Glory
The world championships represent a critical opportunity for the Canadian skaters to build upon their Olympic momentum. For Gilles and Poirier specifically, the event offers a chance to refine their programs and potentially upgrade their medal color on the world stage. Their Olympic routine, set to a mix of contemporary and classical music, received high marks for its innovative lifts and expressive interpretation, elements they will likely carry forward.
"Competing at the world championships is always a tremendous honor," a representative from Skate Canada noted in the team announcement. "Having athletes of Piper and Paul's caliber leading our team sets a high standard and reflects the depth of talent in Canadian figure skating." The full Canadian roster for the world championships is anticipated to be finalized in the coming weeks, with selections based on competitive results and season-long performance.
The world figure skating championships serve as the premier annual event for the sport, gathering the top skaters from across the globe. For Team Canada, the presence of Olympic medalists like Gilles and Poirier at the forefront of the team not only boosts medal prospects but also highlights the country's continued excellence in ice dance, a discipline where Canada has historically thrived.
