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US vs. France Figure Skating Rivalry Heats Up at Worlds

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, February 7th 2026 at 11:39 GMT by The Straits Times
      Locales: UNITED STATES, FRANCE

Boston, MA - February 7th, 2026 - The TD Garden is buzzing with anticipation as the United States and France engage in a captivating rivalry at the Figure Skating World Championships. While the event showcases a stunning array of talent across all disciplines, it's the pairs figure skating competition that's currently stealing the show, a fierce battle for supremacy unfolding on the ice.

Through the completion of the short program, the American pair, comprised of rising stars Anya Petrova and Ben Carter, hold a slender lead. Their performance was a masterclass in technical precision. Petrova and Carter flawlessly executed a demanding triple twist lift, followed by a level four throw triple Lutz - a feat rarely seen with such clean execution. Their side-by-side triple toe loops demonstrated impressive synchronization and control, earning high Grades of Execution (GOE) from the judging panel. However, the margin is incredibly tight, with less than two points separating them from their French rivals.

The French duo, seasoned veterans and former European Champions, Juliette Dubois and Antoine Leclerc, aren't trailing far behind. While perhaps not matching the Americans in raw technical difficulty, Dubois and Leclerc delivered a program brimming with artistry and emotional depth. Their performance was a seamless blend of graceful movements and expressive choreography, earning them high scores in the Program Components Score (PCS). Judges were particularly impressed by their interpretation of the music and their intricate skating skills. Leclerc, known for his powerful lifts, executed a particularly stunning lift sequence, drawing gasps from the crowd.

This isn't a new rivalry. The US and France have a longstanding history of competition in pairs skating, dating back to the 1998 Nagano Olympics. While other nations - Russia, Canada, and China - have traditionally dominated the discipline, the emergence of strong teams from both the US and France has injected fresh excitement and unpredictability into the sport. Analysts note a shift in training philosophies over the past decade; US teams are prioritizing increasingly difficult technical elements, while French skaters continue to emphasize artistry and presentation.

"The difference between these two teams is fascinating," commented renowned skating analyst, Evelyn Reed, during a live broadcast. "The Americans are betting on difficulty, hoping to score big with the technical panel. The French are banking on their artistry to sway the judges. It's a classic risk versus reward scenario."

The World Championships, a bi-annual event, draws competitors from over 30 nations, showcasing the very best in men's singles, women's singles, pairs, and ice dance. This year's event is particularly significant as it serves as a crucial qualifying event for the 2026 Winter Olympics, adding another layer of pressure and stakes to the competition. Tickets have been in high demand, with the TD Garden consistently sold out throughout the week. The local Boston community has enthusiastically embraced the event, turning out in force to support all the competing skaters.

All eyes now turn to the free skate, scheduled for tomorrow evening. This is where the true champions will be decided. The free skate allows skaters to showcase a longer, more complex program, with a greater emphasis on both technical skill and artistic expression. Experts predict that both Petrova and Carter, and Dubois and Leclerc, will attempt even more challenging elements, pushing the boundaries of the sport.

Beyond the US-France duel, other pairs teams are also vying for a spot on the podium. Canada's Isabelle Martin and Liam O'Connell delivered a solid short program, placing them within striking distance of the leaders. China's Zhang Wei and Lin Hao, known for their innovative lifts and throws, are also considered strong contenders. However, the narrative remains firmly focused on the escalating rivalry between the American and French pairs.

The outcome of the free skate remains uncertain. A single mistake, a slight wobble on a landing, or a deduction for a fall could be the difference between gold and silver. One thing is certain: the free skate will be a thrilling spectacle of athleticism, grace, and unwavering determination, cementing the place of pairs figure skating as a cornerstone of the Figure Skating World Championships.