Gabrielle Daleman is aiming for a podium finish at the Four Continents Championships in Beijing. The two-time Olympic figure skater from Newmarket, Ontario, executed three triple jumps during a flawless short program on Thursday, earning 67.69 points and securing the fourth position going into the free skate on Friday. Japanese skaters claimed the top three spots, with Ami Nakai leading with 73.83 points, followed by Yuna Aoki (71.41) and Mone Chiba (68.07), all set to compete in the upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympics in February.
Daleman, after missing several seasons due to a back injury and two ankle surgeries, made her second international appearance. Despite her aspirations to become the first Canadian woman to participate in three Olympics in singles, Madeline Schizas secured Canada’s lone spot for the Milan-Cortina Winter Games by winning her fourth national title at the Canadian championships. Notably, Daleman opened up about her mental health struggles in 2018.
In other events, Alicia Fabbri and Paul Ayer, the two-time national ice dance bronze medallists, were in fourth place after the rhythm dance. Meanwhile, Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik, the Olympic ice dancers, led an American sweep, with Oona Brown and Gage Brown securing the third position.
The U.S. champions Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov stood third after the short program, with Sui Wenjing and Han Cong of China taking the lead. The competition continues with the free dance and women’s free skate on Friday, followed by the men’s short program and pairs free skate on Saturday, concluding with the men’s free skate on Sunday.
Typically, few figure skaters competing in the Winter Games participate in Four Continents during an Olympic year. However, Zingas and Kolesnik are utilizing this opportunity before the Milan Cortina Games to refine their programs. Kelly Ann Laurin and Loucas Ethier, the three-time reigning Canadian pairs bronze medallists, are currently in fifth place after their short program.