London Leaps

The World Figure Skating Championships are underway in London, ON.
Sequins are flying, and 21-year-old Piper Gilles is trying to pave her
way to the Olympics. American-born Gilles is weeks away from residency,
after which point, she intends to finalize citizenship, with hopes of
representing Canada in the 2014 Sochi Winter Games with partner Paul
Poirier.

We spoke to Gilles in anticipation of her performance:

Q.) It’s all grace and beauty on the ice, but training to be a
competitor in the World Figure Skating Championships is tough stuff. Can
you break down the injuries that got you to where you are now?

A.) Figure skating does look very graceful and pretty but like
you said, you definently need tough skin! I have only had a few injuries
to overcome to get where I am today. My first major injury was a pulled
adductor tendon. Its around the groin area and I was off the ice for
about two months which was not fun. This injury also meant I had to pull
out of a really big competition. It was no fun to sit on the sideline
and watch my competitors! Ive also had tendinitis in my ankle, but I
didnt really have time to rest it. We just had to keep skating so, I had
to have a lot of physical therapy to be able to keep me on the ice.

Q.) Historically, ice skating is all sequins and sparkle when it
comes to competing. How much of your own style are you able/allowed to
infuse into your competition outfits? What is an absolute must-not for
you, wardrobe wise? Do they judges affect your choices?

A.) I always feel that your costumes should reflect a bit of your
personality and your own style, and give and take with the music. When
one feels comfortable and confident in their costumes it always makes
going to competitions a little more exciting. As for my own style, Im
pretty much up for trying anything, but one thing that just doesnt work
for my body is knee-length dresses. It just never looks right on me with
my height, so I always have to have them shortened.

With the judges you never know what they are looking for. They all have
their own opinion. It really just depends on what music you are doing
and whether you are taking a classic approach to the program or a more
modern one.

Q.) This year, you’ll be competing in London, Ontario. What are you
looking forward to doing or seeing in your down time?

A.) I have some cousins who live in London so I am looking
forward to seeing them! There is also going to be a Thomas Sabo booth
on-site and I absolutely love going to their booth to try all of the new
pieces on. Their jewelry goes great with my wardrobe! I also hear there
is going to be a lightshow at the competition so Im very excited to see
that as well.

[Editor’s Note: Sabo, as the official sponsor, is gifting the
competitors with personalized lucky charms, a picture of Gilles’ is
featured above. You can purchase your own Skate Canada pendant here.]

Q.) In your opinion, how serious is diet when it comes to physical
performance? And what would be your favourite meal to have after
competing?

A.) Nutrition and vitamins are very important for energy for my
training and doing our programs. I have been very fortunate this year to
have been pretty healthy and I attribute that to good nutrition, rest
and recovery. After a major competition I look forward to some ice cream
or maybe a taco salad. I also love sushi!

Q.) Learning jumps is a pretty significant milestone in any figure
skater training to go pro. What was the first jump you ever really
nailed, and how old were you? What has become your ice dancing
signature?

A.) I think the jump that was the most exciting to land was the
double axel. My former coach said that if I landed my double axel and
was able to keep it for a whole week I would get $100. I was able to do
it so I think thats why I remember that one so specifically. I was only
12 or 13. I wouldnt really say Paul (my partner) and I have a signature
move, but I would say that our style of skating is very athletic and we
are able to do some very unique lifts and we love to have fun on the ice!

Photo courtesy Skate Canada/ Luca Ragogna