Canadians dominate at International Adult Figure Skating Competition

BURNABY, B.C. — Canada’s top adult skaters won the medal count at the International Adult Figure Skating Competition that took place in Burnaby, B.C., from October 11-13, 2018 at Burnaby Eight Rinks. The event was hosted by the Skate Canada BC/Yukon Section and is one of two international adult skating events sanctioned by the International Skating Union (ISU).

Following the conclusion of the three-day event, Canadian skaters led the medal count with 26 gold, 20 silver and 15 bronze for a total of 51 medals. Canada was represented by 77 skaters.

British Columbia skaters contributed largely to the gold medal count winning 13 medals, including double golds by Surrey’s Linda Maundrell (Bronze Women’s V Artistic and Free Skate), and Port Moody’s Francois Guernon, who teamed with Jacquelin Christoff to win the Silver Dance. Guernon then went on to capture the Silver Men’s III-IV Free Skate.

Other B.C. gold medalists included Langley’s Susan Edwards and James Wilkins (Bronze Free Dance), Vancouver’s Erin Leach (Master Women 11 Artistic), Surrey’s Andrea Allegretto (Silver Women 1 Artistic), Chilliwack’s Corinne Stewart (Silver Women 1V Artistic), West Kelowna’s Donna Bergvnson (Bronze Women 1V free skate), Armstrong’s Christine Turpin (Bronze Women 1 Free Skate), Lake Country’s Karen Smith (Gold Women 11-111 Artistic), Burnaby’s Erin Chapple (Silver Women 1 Free Skate), and Victoria’s Gary Beacom (Masters Elite Men III Artistic).

Beacom, considered by many to be the world’s finest male adult competitive skater, and who has never been beaten in adult competition, didn’t have one of his finest performances, falling while attempting a backward movement. His score (40.09) was well off his personal best for the event.

“I just lost my balance,” he said. “But I’ll be back. I’m currently putting together a new short-free program which includes a triple-triple and hope to have it ready for next year’s Adult World’s in Germany.”

The competition drew more than 165 skaters from 15 countries. The event was well watched around the world as live streaming was watched by 13,000 viewers from 23 countries.