"We were a bit nervous but I think that we did a great job and showed a solid performance," said Helsinki Rockettes' captains on Friday evening. "We've been waiting for this for so long and we enjoyed every second on the ice."
"It was very exciting to be on the ice today and we skated as we do in practice. It was just great to be in front of our own crowd" added Les Suprêmes who won the silver medal after the short programs.
Honestly, it felt like home and extraordinary phenomenal. We are proud of our program today," continued Nexxice.
"It was very exciting to be on the ice today and we skated as we do in practice. It was just great to be in front of our own crowd" added Les Suprêmes who won the silver medal after the short programs.
Honestly, it felt like home and extraordinary phenomenal. We are proud of our program today," continued Nexxice.
(l-r) Les Suprêmes, Helsinki Rockettes and Nexxice at the press conference after the short programs. (Credits: Amélie De Tomi - 2022)
A question then came up about how each team was able to practice during the pandemic.
Helsinki Rockettes responded that in Finland they had the chance to skate during most of the pandemic. "We took this chance to work on the basics of skating skills. It was sometimes a bit long to work on it, but we are lucky," said Nona Vihma.
For Les Suprêmes, the last two years have not been easy with the lockdowns and restrictions in Canada and the captains explained that sometimes we had to be creative. "This is only our second competition of the season so we are very grateful."
Helsinki Rockettes responded that in Finland they had the chance to skate during most of the pandemic. "We took this chance to work on the basics of skating skills. It was sometimes a bit long to work on it, but we are lucky," said Nona Vihma.
For Les Suprêmes, the last two years have not been easy with the lockdowns and restrictions in Canada and the captains explained that sometimes we had to be creative. "This is only our second competition of the season so we are very grateful."
The biggest challenge: the size of the rink!
In Europe, the rinks are not the same size as here in Canada. It's a real challenge for the teams to adapt certain elements, such as the Pivoting Block, to fit the (smaller) width of the North American rink. During the competition, several falls were certainly linked to this change in size.
"We practiced a lot but when we got here it was a little bit smaller than we thought. So yeah it was a challenge!" said Helsinki Rockettes.
"We practiced a lot but when we got here it was a little bit smaller than we thought. So yeah it was a challenge!" said Helsinki Rockettes.
(Crédits: Sean McKinnon - 2022)
Despite the pandemic and the difficulties, Les Suprêmes are on their way to a world medal... almost 20 years after their last title. The last time Les Suprêmes won a medal (a bronze one) at the World Championships was in 2003!
"We are very proud. It's been two years very challenging, but we didn't give up, so it's a reward for us to win this medal in front of our families, friends, and fans is even better", said the captains. Les Suprêmes have indeed had many supporters in the crowd. "Les Suprêmes is a big family, and Quebec is a very nice province!"
"We are very proud. It's been two years very challenging, but we didn't give up, so it's a reward for us to win this medal in front of our families, friends, and fans is even better", said the captains. Les Suprêmes have indeed had many supporters in the crowd. "Les Suprêmes is a big family, and Quebec is a very nice province!"
Les Suprêmes, CAN. (Crédits: Sean McKinnon - 2022)
Nexxice is competing at home this weekend. Is that extra pressure? "Yes, we have been training all year and preparing for everything. Our families have been behind us through the whole process and all the love we have received, not just today but every day in practice. Tomorrow our free program will definitely be special. It is unique and we are honoured to present it," said Nexxice.
Nexxice, CAN. (Crédits: Sean McKinnon - 2022)
Short Programs
See you on Saturday (from 1:40 p.m. Hamilton time - 7:40 p.m. Paris time) to follow the teams' free program minute by minute.