Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier have made history by winning the bronze medal in ice dance at the 2026 Winter Olympics, marking a significant moment for Canadian figure skating after an eight-year Olympic medal drought. The duo delivered a stunning performance to their emotional routine set to “Starry, Starry Night,” securing their spot on the podium. The gold medal went to French ice dancers Guillaume Cizeron and Laurence Fournier Beaudry, who surpassed American favorites Madison Chock and Evan Bates in a nail-biting finish.
Gilles and Poirier’s achievement is especially poignant as it showcases their resilience and dedication, given that this Olympics marks their third appearance on the Olympic stage. They are not only four-time national champions but also reigning world silver medalists. Their emotional journey inspires many within the figure skating community, emphasizing the hard work and perseverance required in competitive sports.
Other Canadian competitors also showcased their skills, with Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha securing a respectable tenth place, while Marie-Jade Lauriault and Romain Le Gac finished fourteenth. This parade of talent underlines Canada’s strong presence in ice dance.
The success of Gilles and Poirier is a reminder of the power of sports to uplift and unite athletes, especially following Canada’s absence from the podiums in the previous Olympic cycle. As the competition continues in Milan, there is hope that more Canadian athletes will rise to the occasion and shine brightly in their respective events.