As the countdown to the Milan Cortina Olympics intensifies, the Ice Academy of Montreal is poised to make a significant mark in the ice dance competition. Under the guidance of celebrated coach Marie-France Dubreuil, the academy boasts an impressive eleven teams out of a total of twenty-three competing in the event. However, with such a wealth of talent, only one team can ascend to the top of the podium.
The Challenge of Choice
Dubreuil likens her task to selecting a favoured child, as she navigates the high-stakes environment of Olympic ice dance. “It’s difficult! We know that if everyone performs at their best, the competition will be fierce, and it will ultimately come down to personal preference on that day,” she remarked. The heartbreak of having to choose between such gifted athletes is palpable, yet she sees it as a testament to the academy’s success.
The Ice Academy of Montreal, affectionately known as I.AM, was established in 2010 by Dubreuil, her husband Patrice Lauzon, and former French skater Roman Haguenauer. They recognised a gap in elite training facilities for skaters in Canada, despite the country’s abundance of rinks. The academy rebranded in 2014 and has since flourished, drawing competitors from around the world.
Legacy of Excellence
The accolades of the academy are underscored by the success of former students, including Canadian ice dance legends Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, who trained there after their earlier career in Michigan. Their return to I.AM culminated in an Olympic gold medal victory at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games. Moir, now managing the London, Ontario campus of the academy, praised the institution, stating, “They have to be regarded as the best school in the world. Patrice made his presence known, fostering an environment based on care and the well-being of athletes.”
In the previous Olympics in Beijing, I.AM alumni Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron clinched gold in ice dance. Now, with the Milan Games on the horizon, the academy aims for a triumphant three-peat. Teams like Madison Chock and Evan Bates, the reigning world champions, will face stiff competition from the newly formed duo of Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron.
Navigating Competition and Judging Scrutiny
Dubreuil is optimistic about the upcoming individual competitions, particularly the rhythm dance, expressing her ambition for the academy: “We aspire to be the first to achieve a full podium at the Olympics. I believe it’s entirely possible this time around, and I feel very confident.”
However, not all competitors train at I.AM. Canadian skaters Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, who train at the Scarboro Figure Skating Club in Toronto, are also considered strong contenders, alongside Chock/Bates and Fournier Beaudry/Cizeron. Recent judging patterns have sparked discussions, with some attributing I.AM’s dominance to alleged preferential treatment from judges. Dubreuil refutes this notion, highlighting the rigorous effort her teams invest in refining their skills and understanding the judging criteria.
“We don’t engage in politicking; we strategise for each of our teams, showcasing their strengths while addressing areas for improvement,” she explained. Lauzon added that the perception of favouritism often stems from misunderstandings about the judging process in ice dance, which has long been a topic of debate within the sport.
A Balanced Approach to Training
During the competition, Dubreuil is often seen offering encouragement to various teams, including those from the United States. Lauzon emphasises that the academy fosters an environment where all skaters feel valued and supported, which is crucial to their success. He meticulously organises daily schedules to ensure a smooth operation, noting that the nature of ice dance allows for a collaborative rather than adversarial atmosphere.
Despite the academy’s holistic approach being praised by many, it has not been without criticism. In her memoir, Papadakis described her experience at I.AM as troubled, highlighting a controlling dynamic. Dubreuil responded thoughtfully, expressing sadness over Papadakis’s perspective, but recognising that individual experiences can vary greatly.
Gilles and Poirier, who thrive in their smaller training environment in Toronto, value the intimate relationships they’ve built with their coaches. “It’s just a family here,” Gilles reflected on her transition to Canada, describing the supportive and drama-free atmosphere that welcomed her.
Why it Matters
The Ice Academy of Montreal’s ambitious pursuit of Olympic glory reflects not only the academy’s dedication to excellence in ice dance but also the broader narrative of Canadian sportsmanship on the world stage. As these athletes prepare to showcase their talents in Milan, their journey encapsulates the intense dedication, collaborative spirit, and competitive edge that define the very essence of ice dance, inspiring future generations of skaters and igniting national pride.
