Canadian ice dancers Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier came agonizingly close to a medal at the prestigious ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final, finishing just off the podium in fourth place. The event took place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, in Nagoya, Japan.
A Strong Performance in the Free Dance
Competing against the world's top qualifiers from the Grand Prix series, the Canadian champions delivered a compelling performance in the free dance segment. Their routine, while technically demanding and artistically expressive, was not quite enough to secure a top-three finish in the intensely competitive field. The result underscores the high level of talent in international ice dancing this season.
Narrow Miss on the World Stage
The fourth-place finish represents a near miss for the veteran Canadian team, who have been consistent contenders on the global stage. The Grand Prix Final is a pinnacle event, featuring only the six highest-scoring teams from the earlier circuit events. Finishing fourth demonstrates their elite status but will undoubtedly fuel their motivation as they look ahead to the remainder of the competitive season, including the World Championships.
Looking Ahead for the Canadian Duo
While the podium was just out of reach in Nagoya, the performance provides valuable points and experience. Gilles and Poirier will now analyze their scores and refine their programs. Their focus will shift to upcoming national and international competitions, where they will aim to build upon this result and challenge for medals. Their resilience and skill continue to make them one of Canada's most prominent figure skating teams to watch.
