HAMILTON, Ontario, 21 January 2004 — Newly-crowned Canadian champ Cynthia Phaneuf will be looking to validate her national title with a strong showing at the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships here this week.
One of the most closely watched competitions in Hamilton will be ladies singles where a controversy has been brewing within host Team Canada over the team selection process for 2004 World Championships.
Canada is being represented this week by 16-year-old Phaneuf, who upset six-time Canadian champ Jennifer Robinson earlier this month at the Canadian championships.
Robinson, who finished third at the nationals, is also competing along with Joannie Rochette, who was runner-up to Phaneuf. “Skate Canada is thrilled to be hosting the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships this year,” said Skate Canada chief executive Pam Coburn. Despite her victory at the nationals, Phaneuf will not be going to world championships in Germany.
In a controversial move, Skate Canada chose instead to send Robinson while Phaneuf has been told she will be heading to the world juniors.
Robinson, 27, will try to use a strong showing at the Four Continents to help her forget the disappointment of losing her Canadian crown. But she will need more than just a good showing in Friday’s ladies free skate to do well at the worlds. Not since Liz Manley 15 years ago at the Calgary Olympics, has a Canadian woman reached the podium at an Olympics or world championship.
