How did Piper Gilles avoid a penalty during her routine?

Piper Gilles quickly secured her partner Paul Poirier's snagged arm cuff behind her back, preventing a costume piece from falling onto the ice.

What was the outcome for Gilles and Poirier after their wardrobe incident?

Despite the near wardrobe malfunction, Gilles and Poirier finished the rhythm dance segment in third place, scoring 86.18 points.

What are the rules regarding costume malfunctions in figure skating?

Under ISU rules, if a part of a costume falls onto the ice surface, judges typically apply a 1.0 point penalty.

Home / Sports / Skater's Quick Save Averts Wardrobe Malfunction Disaster

Skater's Quick Save Averts Wardrobe Malfunction Disaster

11 Feb

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Summary

Piper Gilles averted a potential penalty by fixing a snagged arm cuff.
The incident occurred during the rhythm dance segment of the competition.
Gilles and Poirier secured third place despite the near miss.

Skater's Quick Save Averts Wardrobe Malfunction Disaster

Canadian figure skaters Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier encountered a near-disaster during the rhythm dance at the 2026 Winter Games on Tuesday. A critical moment occurred when Poirier's arm cuff snagged on Gilles' tights, risking a significant points deduction if a costume piece fell onto the ice. Gilles' swift action to secure the cuff behind her back prevented a penalty.

This quick save ensured their performance was not impacted, and the duo ultimately placed third. They earned 86.18 points, positioning them well for the upcoming free dance competition. A costume malfunction penalty can cost a team a full point under ISU rules.

The pair, who are three-time Canadian national champions, have a strong competitive history, including a silver medal at the 2024 World Championships. This incident stands in contrast to the day's other news, where Canada's women's hockey team suffered a 5-0 loss to Team USA.