(Reuters) – Canadian ice dancer Piper Gilles has found a newfound sense of peace after battling cancer last season. Despite facing physical struggles, Gilles is determined to pursue her passion for skating alongside her partner Paul Poirier. The duo is aiming for gold at the world figure skating championships in Montreal this week, capping off a successful season.
Last season, Gilles underwent surgery to remove an ovary and appendix, only to discover she had ovarian cancer. The ordeal has given her a fresh perspective on life, pushing her to overcome any obstacles that come her way on and off the ice.
“Anybody that goes through that (cancer), it changes your perspective on life a little bit,” said Gilles in an interview with Reuters. The experience has made her appreciate the ability to skate and use her body to its full potential.
Gilles lost her mother to brain cancer in 2018, further fueling her passion to raise awareness about both brain and ovarian cancer. Regular check-ups bring her peace of mind, knowing she is healthy and able to continue pursuing her dreams.
During the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Gilles and Poirier represented Canada and finished fourth. Amid controversy surrounding the Russian team and doping allegations, Canada missed out on a bronze medal despite expectations to secure a podium finish.
Skate Canada has since appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, challenging the decision that denied them a bronze medal. While the outcome remains uncertain, Gilles and Poirier have chosen to focus on their future and continue moving forward.
Despite the setback at the Olympics, Gilles and Poirier have enjoyed a successful season, winning multiple competitions and earning a bronze at the world championships in March. With a strong track record in ice dance, Canada is poised to add to its medal tally at the world championships in Montreal.
Looking ahead, Gilles and Poirier are undecided on competing in the 2026 Olympics in Milan. The duo is taking a season-by-season approach, prioritizing their enjoyment of the sport and making decisions that align with their goals.
“We’re so lucky that every time we go out on the ice, we are there because we want to be there,” said Poirier in an interview with Reuters. Their dedication and passion for ice dance continue to drive their success in the sport.
Montreal, set to host the 2020 world championships before the COVID-19 pandemic forced its cancellation, is now the stage for Gilles and Poirier to showcase their talent and compete among the world’s best ice dancers.
(Reporting by Lori Ewing, editing by Pritha Sarkar)
