Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Nikolaj Sorensen were in first place in the provisional general classification after the rhythm dance on Friday at the Grand Prix of figure skating in Sapporo. Knowing that the NHK Trophy was within reach, the Quebec pair gave their all on Saturday in the free dance and were able to taste victory for the very first time in the Grand Prix.
The Quebecers have lowered two personal bests with their routine on Saturday. They first achieved their best mark in rhythm dancing with 124.75 points, which later led to another record for them, this time in the cumulative, with a collection of 210.41 points.
With these marks, the duo knew they had done enough to reach the top step of the podium and the celebrations could begin.
“It’s a dream come true. We have worked so hard for a very long time to get there, ”said Fournier Beaudry via a press release from the International Skating Union. “We are super happy with our week here, we skated well and this is our first Grand Prix gold medal. It’s incredible ! she then told Skate Canada.
“We are very, very proud of ourselves. Looks like we’re slightly surprised, but we had big goals here and for the rest of the season. It’s a step in the right direction,” added Sorensen.
PHOTO KIM KYUNG-HOON, REUTERS
The performance of the duo
The two Olympians from the Beijing Games edged Americans Madison Chock and Evan Bates (209.13) who enjoyed success on Sunday with 124.13 points. Another American pair, that of Caroline Green and Michael Parsons (191.10), finished on the third step of the podium.
Thanks to their silver medal collected at the beginning of November in France and the gold medal of the day, Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Nikolaj Sorensen are now assured of a participation in the Grand Prix Final in Turin, from 8 to December 11. After these two performances, they will go there with a lot of confidence in the bank.