Canada’s Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, bronze medalists in Olympic ice dance at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Games. (AP/Yonhap)
Canadian ice dancer Piper Gilles, who faced a possible end to her career while being treated for ovarian cancer, reached the Olympic podium with her 15-year partner, Paul Poirier.
According to AFP, after winning bronze in figure skating ice dance at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, the pair said, “If you believe in yourself and chase your dreams, anything can happen.”
Skating to the Van Gogh tribute song “Vincent” in the free dance at the Milan Ice Skating Arena, Gilles and Poirier finished third with 217.74 points.
AFP reported the duo, wearing blue costumes reminiscent of Van Gogh’s “Irises,” drew loud cheers for a polished performance.
Despite past world championship success, Gilles and Poirier had not previously won an Olympic medal.
“When I was diagnosed (with ovarian cancer) three years ago, I couldn’t imagine a moment like this,” Gilles said. “I hope this medal can give hope to people going through difficult times.”
France’s Guillaume Cizeron and Laurence Fournier Beaudry won gold with 225.82 points. Americans Evan Bates and Madison Chock took silver with 224.39.
According to AFP, after winning bronze in figure skating ice dance at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, the pair said, “If you believe in yourself and chase your dreams, anything can happen.”
Skating to the Van Gogh tribute song “Vincent” in the free dance at the Milan Ice Skating Arena, Gilles and Poirier finished third with 217.74 points.
AFP reported the duo, wearing blue costumes reminiscent of Van Gogh’s “Irises,” drew loud cheers for a polished performance.
Despite past world championship success, Gilles and Poirier had not previously won an Olympic medal.
“When I was diagnosed (with ovarian cancer) three years ago, I couldn’t imagine a moment like this,” Gilles said. “I hope this medal can give hope to people going through difficult times.”
France’s Guillaume Cizeron and Laurence Fournier Beaudry won gold with 225.82 points. Americans Evan Bates and Madison Chock took silver with 224.39.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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