Skaters to watch at the 2024 ISU Grand Prix Final
Kevin Aymoz looking for a medal at home
This final of the 2024 ISU Grand Prix will have a special flavor for the country's child, Kevin Aymoz. The five-time French champion (2017, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022) will have the advantage of skating on ice that he knows well, since the Polesud Ice Rink is the one on which he took his first steps.
“It’s extraordinary,” he told France 3 Auvergne Rhônes-Alpes at the end of November. “The fact that it’s at home is great class. »
The 27-year-old figure skater, who will be competing in the third Final of his career, hopes to do better than in his first two appearances. He won the bronze medal in 2019, and sixth place in 2023.
“My goal is to enjoy it above all else. The level is very high but I can dream of a medal,” he added.
Kevin Aymoz will face formidable opponents in individual menlike the reigning champion Ilia Malinin (USA), or even Japanese Kagiyama Yuma who has excelled since the start of the season and won two Grands Prix.
Evgeniia Lopareva and Geoffrey Brissaud will try to create a sensation in ice dancing
France will also be represented in ice dancingwith the pair Evgeniia Lopareva/Geoffrey Brissaud.
THE Tricolorswho will participate in the first Final of their career, will be able to build on their magnificent victory obtained at the Trophée de France at the beginning of November.
They managed to beat the odds thanks to an innovative performance far from the usual standards, on a techno soundtrack, and they could well create a sensation again in Grenoble.
They will be particularly opposed to the British Lilah Fear et Lewis Gibsonsurprise couple of the season after their victories at Skate America and the Finlandia Trophy, but also the world champions Madison Chock et Evan Bates (USA).
Sakamoto Kaori favorite among women, Deanna Stellato-Dudek/Maxime Deschamps as a couple
In the women's individual category, the three-time world champion and reigning champion of the ISU Grand Prix Final Kaori Sakamoto is a favorite. She is at the head of a strong team of Japanese skaters, since five of the six will be participating in Grenoble. Only the American Amber Glenn comes to disturb this strong Japanese dynamic, and it could well play spoilsport on the ice of the Patinoire Polesud.
Finally, the Canadian couple Deanna Stellato-Dudek/Maxime Deschampsreigning world champion, will try to assume his status as favorites. But the Japanese Miura Riku/Kihara Ryuichi will be keen to bounce back after their surprise defeat at the NHK Trophy at home, and could be formidable competitors.
