Magazine
Pascal Denis, coach of Les Suprêmes: "I don't think I realize it yet at 100%"
Magazine
Pascal Denis, coach of Les Suprêmes: "I don't think I realize it yet at 100%"
Pascal Denis, together with Amélie Brochu. The two coaches of Les Suprêmes seniors in the stands of the FirstOntario Center in Hamilton after the competition. (Credits: Amélie De Tomi - 2022)
Les Suprêmes Seniors are the 2022 World Champions in synchronized skating. Representing Canada, the team won its first-ever gold medal. Pascal Denis, one of the team's coaches, talks about this victory.
Les Suprêmes, 2022 World Champions. As a coach, how do you feel?
Pascal Denis: I don't think I realize it yet at 100% (laughs). Of course, it's not a surprise in the sense that what they presented this weekend is similar to what they do in training. And they were lifted by the crowd. There was extra energy.
It was only the 2nd competition for the team this season...
Yes! That's why it was hard to make predictions. Plus, we only had national scores.
What did you say to the team after the free program?
I asked them if they had fun on the ice. That's what they will remember for the rest of their lives. The medal is, of course, so well deserved, but it's just a plus... ok, it's a big plus (laughs).
Pascal Denis: I don't think I realize it yet at 100% (laughs). Of course, it's not a surprise in the sense that what they presented this weekend is similar to what they do in training. And they were lifted by the crowd. There was extra energy.
It was only the 2nd competition for the team this season...
Yes! That's why it was hard to make predictions. Plus, we only had national scores.
What did you say to the team after the free program?
I asked them if they had fun on the ice. That's what they will remember for the rest of their lives. The medal is, of course, so well deserved, but it's just a plus... ok, it's a big plus (laughs).
Les Suprêmes - Free program (Credits: Sean McKinnon - 2022)
It has been ten years since you started coaching Les Suprêmes seniors with Marilyn Langlois and Amélie Brochu. What a great reward!
Yes, it is! We always told ourselves that it would happen one day, but we didn't know when. Each person who has been part of the road to Les Suprêmes has something to do with it. This victory is thanks to each one of us because everyone has been involved in some way or has made the team better. Many former skaters were present in the stands this weekend in Hamilton. They all participated in the success of the team.
Yes, it is! We always told ourselves that it would happen one day, but we didn't know when. Each person who has been part of the road to Les Suprêmes has something to do with it. This victory is thanks to each one of us because everyone has been involved in some way or has made the team better. Many former skaters were present in the stands this weekend in Hamilton. They all participated in the success of the team.
Les Suprêmes - Short program (Credits: Sean McKinnon - 2022)
Laurie Désilets has been the captain of Les Suprêmes for nine years. She has had an extraordinary career and has made many sacrifices. She has brought a lot to the team in terms of stability, calm, motivation and perseverance. She has been able to show the way and that is a big part of the success as well.
A gold medal... it will change something for the team, your club, or even Quebec?
I hope it will motivate young Canadian skaters to take up synchro. With the pandemic, the discipline has obviously had a little less interest because it is a team sport, and it has been more complicated with the restrictions. But I really hope that this will encourage the next generation to start. It will be, for sure, an excellent boost for synchro in Canada. A gold medal always makes dream!
I hope it will motivate young Canadian skaters to take up synchro. With the pandemic, the discipline has obviously had a little less interest because it is a team sport, and it has been more complicated with the restrictions. But I really hope that this will encourage the next generation to start. It will be, for sure, an excellent boost for synchro in Canada. A gold medal always makes dream!
This weekend on the podium, a unique Canadian flag was waved. It is the 2003 flag that saw Les Suprêmes win a world medal (in bronze) for the first time.
This flag also has an additional sentimental value for the team since, 19 years ago, coaches Marilyn Langlois and Amélie Brochu were skating when the team won this medal.
This flag also has an additional sentimental value for the team since, 19 years ago, coaches Marilyn Langlois and Amélie Brochu were skating when the team won this medal.
Results - TOP 3
ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships 2022
Hamilton (CAN)
APR 07, 2022 - APR 09, 2022
| TEAM | Score | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Les Suprêmes (CAN) | 236.31 |
| 2 | Marigold IceUnity (FIN) | 228.72 |
| 3 | Helsinki Rockettes (FIN) | 226.20 |
