The Grand Prix Final, the most significant figure skating event before the Olympics, commences in Nagoya, Japan, this Thursday. This competition marks the final gathering of the world’s top skaters before the Winter Games in northern Italy.
Throughout October and November, the Grand Prix of Figure Skating features six events worldwide, with skaters allowed to participate in up to two of them. Points are earned based on performance, determining the top six skaters in each category—men’s, women’s, pairs, and ice dance—who are then invited to compete in the Final.
In contrast to the regular season where skaters select their events, the Final showcases the best of the best, offering a preview of the top contenders for Olympic medals in February.
Canada secured two entries in the partner events, with Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier ranked fourth in ice dance, and Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps ranked fifth in pairs. The latter duo, after overcoming challenges in the previous season, aims to repeat their success from two years ago when they claimed bronze at the Final before winning the world championship in Montreal.
In the pairs category, Japan’s Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara are favored to win, having triumphed in recent world championships and Grand Prix events. Meanwhile, the Canadian duo Gilles and Poirier, despite their age, continue to perform strongly and have a history of podium finishes at major championships.
In ice dance, the U.S. pair of Madison Chock and Evan Bates are the team to beat, having secured multiple world titles and Grand Prix victories. Additionally, Laurence Fournier-Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron of France, who outshone their competitors this season, are poised to make a notable impact.
In the men’s event, American skater Ilia Malinin, a dominant force in recent competitions, is expected to shine at the Final with his unparalleled skills. His attempt to execute a quad axel is highly anticipated, setting the stage for an exciting Olympic debut in February.
With the women’s event likely to be contested fiercely by Japanese and American skaters, the Grand Prix Final promises thrilling performances and intense competition. Fans can catch all the action through CBC Sports’ live stream, starting with junior events on Thursday and continuing through the weekend.