Gabrielle Daleman, a two-time Olympic figure skater from Newmarket, Ont., showcased an impressive performance at the Four Continents Championships in Beijing. In her clean short program, she executed three triple jumps, earning 67.69 points and securing the fourth position going into the free skate event on Friday. The top three spots were held by Japanese skaters, with Ami Nakai leading the field, followed by Yuna Aoki and Mone Chiba, all set to compete in the upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympics in February.
Daleman, making only her second international appearance after a hiatus due to a back injury and two ankle surgeries, aimed to qualify for her third Olympics but was edged out by Madeline Schizas for Canada’s sole spot in the Milan-Cortina Winter Games. Schizas, who clinched her fourth national title at the Canadian championships, opted out of the Four Continents competition along with other Olympic-bound skaters due to the proximity of the events.
In ice dance, Alicia Fabbri and Paul Ayer stood in fourth place after the rhythm dance segment. Meanwhile, American ice dancers Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik dominated the field, leading the standings with a solid performance. The U.S. silver medallists outscored their competitors to take the lead, with a strong American presence in the top ranks.
The competition at Four Continents serves as a final opportunity for skaters to fine-tune their routines before the Winter Games commence. Despite the limited participation of Olympic-bound skaters, the event provides a valuable platform for athletes to prepare and perfect their performances on an international stage before heading to Milan.
The ongoing competition in Beijing includes various skating disciplines, with the free dance, women’s free skate, men’s short program, and pairs free skate scheduled for the upcoming days. The event will conclude with the men’s free skate on Sunday, showcasing the talent and skill of international figure skaters as they strive for excellence on the ice.
