Vanessa James, and Eric Radford, have formed a new skating partnership and will compete for Canada in the Pairs Discipline this coming season. Both skaters have previously competed internationally with different partners, James representing France and Radford on the Canadian national team.
“Partnering up with Eric is a very exciting career opportunity. I am looking forward to a season full of inspiration, joy, and personal growth,” said James. “We’re both very much looking forward to this new chapter in our lives.”
James continued, “I am extremely excited and honored to embark on this new adventure with Radford. I want to express my gratitude towards the French Federation of Ice Sports (FFSG) for their past and continued support of my skating and for allowing me to pursue this new path.”
“I’m looking forward to this new partnership with James and getting back on the ice and doing what we love,” said Radford. “Vanessa and I are thrilled to have the opportunity to represent Canada this coming season and are looking forward to seeing what the future holds for our partnership.”
James and Radford both did not compete this season. James, with her previous skating partner Morgan Ciprés, is the 2019 European Champion, the 2018 World Bronze Medalist in the pair’s event, and represented France at the 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympics. James and Ciprés announced their retirement in September 2019. Radford, with his previous skating partner Meagan Duhamel, is a two-time World pair champion (2015, 2016), a 2018 Olympic Gold Medalist in the team event, a 2018 Olympic Bronze Medalist in the pairs event, and a seven-time Canadian national champion (2012-18). Duhamel and Radford announced their retirement in April 2018.
This coming season, James and Radford will be training in Quebec coached by Julie Marcotte, and the pair team looks forward to representing Canada at international events.
“I feel privileged to represent Skate Canada and Patinage Quebec in the upcoming season, and I am hopeful that this partnership will bring joy to our many friends, families, faithful fans, and supporters,” continued James.
James concluded, “While I am looking forward to this amazing opportunity, I will always be appreciative of my past and everyone who helped my dreams come to fruition.”
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