D’Alessandro and Waddell one point short
of the podium
LAUSANNE, Switzerland – It was a close call for Toronto ice dancers Natalie D’Alessandro and Bruce Waddell at the Youth Olympic Winter Games on Monday as they took fourth spot missing the podium by less than a point.
Irina Khavronina and Dario Cirisano led Russia to a 1-2 finish with 164.63 points followed by Sofya Tyutyunina and Alexander Shustitskiy at 159.15. Katarina Wolfkostin and Jeffrey Chen of the U.S. overtook the Canadians for third spot at 152.43.
D’Alessandro and Waddell, third after Saturday’s rhythm dance, earned the fifth best score for their free dance to drop a spot at 151.52. Meanwhile their compatriots Miku Makita of Anmore, B.C., and Tyler Gunara of Burnaby, B.C., moved from sixth to fifth at 148.49.
‘’We gave it everything we had,’’ said Waddell. ‘’There were a few technical errors but I definitely still had a blast. We were able to stay calm with the massive crowds and the big lights and that’s going to help us for the future.’’
Makita and Gunara also overcame their nerves to produce a satisfying performance.
‘’The crowd was really big,’’ said Makita. ‘’We skated pretty well despite some errors.’’
The women’s event was won by Young You of South Korea. Catherine Carle of Georgetown, Ont., finished 11th.
‘’My programs didn’t go as planned but I learned so much,’’ said Cale. ‘’You definitely have to be more clear on your footwork at this level especially with your turns and spins.’’
The team event concludes the figure skating
competition at the Games on Wednesday.
Full results:
Lausanne 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games