“Champions aren’t always made with medals” – Ice dancers Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier reflect on Beijing Olympics

“Champions aren’t always made with medals” – Ice dancers Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier reflect on Beijing Olympics

Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier

The reigning world bronze medallists in ice dance, Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier had dreams of the podium at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. But midway through their free dance in the event, a costly error on their curve lift restricted the Canadian figure skaters to not move up from their sixth-place position in the rhythm dance discipline.

During a recent interview, the two took the chance to reflect on what the Olympic journey is for most athletes: A battle from within, no matter what the result is.

“If I could describe this Olympics, I think it really shows our resilience,” Gilles told Olympics.com. “It may not have gone the way that we anticipated and had been training [for], but the fact that we could think on our feet and push through and try and save something that was going down, I really think that speaks to our character.”

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She added: “Champions aren’t always made with medals. “They’re made with opportunities and the things you’ve done to get to the highest level. I think we can call ourselves champions in our way. And just be proud of what we did [here].”

“Thing to remember is that we are people, we are human”

Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier
Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier

Beijing 2022 marked the second appearance for the team at a Games and third overall for Poirier. 

“I think the thing to remember is that we are people, we are human,” said Poirier. “That’s what we have to take care of the most. We are lucky to be a part of a federation and a training environment where we as people are put first.

“[And we] have a group of people that is going to carry us no matter what happens on the ice. That’s what has allowed us to move forward, despite all of the difficult things that you face as an athlete and the things that don’t go your way. That’s the most important thing.”

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