Canadian skaters Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier narrowly held onto third place in the rhythm dance segment of the ice dancing competition on Monday after a wardrobe malfunction nearly proved costly at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
During their routine, a piece of Poirier’s arm cuff ripped off and got caught on Gilles’ tights as she was airborne and spinning on his shoulder — risking a point deduction if the piece of clothing fell on the ice, per Olympic rules.
After she landed, Gilles quickly grabbed the cuff and put it behind her back before their final pose at Milano Ice Skating Arena.
A black cuff belonging to Paul Poirier latched onto Piper Gilles’ tights during the 2026 Winter Olympics routine. Getty ImagesThe pair scored 86.18 points to finish in third place, putting them in podium position heading into the free dance portion of the medal competition on Wednesday.
Athletes can face point deductions — usually one per incident — if their clothing falls on the ice, as it also poses a safety hazard, per Olympic rules.
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The Canadian team is behind France’s Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron and Team USA’s Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who hold first and second place, respectively.
Piper Gilles and partner Paul Poirier of Team Canada compete in Ice Dance – Rhythm Dance Qualification on Feb. 9, 2026. Getty ImagesGilles and Paul Poirier have won two straight world silver medals, including in 2025.
