Piper Gilles
Paul Poirier
Figure Skating
Piper Gilles
Paul Poirier
PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Games
WHAT IS YOUR FONDEST MEMORY OF THE OLYMPICS?
Piper- My fondest memory from the Olympic games in 2018 was when we finished our Free dance. Paul and I just had the skate of our lives and our celebration was priceless. We created the Olympic moment that we have always dreamt of.
Paul- My fondest memory of the Olympics is walking in the opening ceremonies at the 2010 Games in Vancouver. As the host country we got to walk in last and the energy in the stadium was just incredible!
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU THE MOST AS AN ATHLETE?
Piper- What motivates me as an athlete is being able to push myself physically to a new height while still continuing to push the sport in a new creative direction.
Paul- What motivates me most as an athlete, especially as I get older and grow as a performer, is knowing that our work is able to reach others on an emotional level. I always know there is more I can do better to create an even more perfect moment with each performance.
WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT COMPETING?
Piper- The best part about competing for me is being able to perform and create moments in time that people will remember forever.
Paul- The best part about competing for me is taking the personal work we have made and being able to share that with an audience. So much of the work happens at home when no one is watching and it is so special to share our love for skating with people around the world.
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST CHEERLEADER?
Piper- My biggest cheerleader would probably be my twin sister.
Paul- My biggest cheerleaders are my parents and my coaches. They have been with me through my skating career from the start and continue to push me and encourage me as we head out for an Olympic medal.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO REPRESENT TEAM CANADA?
Piper- Representing Team Canada gives me so much pride and joy. We as athletes get to show the world how connected and passionate Canadians are about sport.
Paul- Representing Team Canada is such a privilege because of the incredible support that exists in this country for our athletes. When we wear the maple leaf we know that we have a whole country behind us.
