The 2022-2023 season is a busy season for figure skater Étienne Lacasse, who managed to qualify for all competitions at the national circuit in two disciplines.
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He has competed in singles among juniors while progressing in pairs at the pre-novice level with partner Sarah-Jade Cyr.
Lacasse’s singles season ended last week with his first appearance at the Canadian Championships, an experience he describes as enriching.
As soon as he returned to training, he already has to prepare for his next pair competitions.
“It’s certainly very demanding, it takes energy, but I’m not ready to choose between the two just yet,” Lacasse said in an interview with Agence QMI.
As such, it should be remembered that Skate Canada launched a new calendar for its national circuit this year. Competitions at the Pre-Novice and Novice levels will be held later to extend the season.
“As a result, he competed in doubles, singles and pairs almost all year round,” explained his singles coach Yvan Desjardins.
Goal: Canada games
The goal for Lacasse and Cyr was to secure a place at the Canada Games, which they did. A dream comes true for both skaters.
“Going there, I half believe. So I can’t wait to get there to really get what the experience is,” Cyr said.
This competition will also be another mainstay for Lacasse, who has already had the chance to compete in the Quebec Games. But before the Canada Games, there are the Skate Canada Challenges, the equivalent of the Canadian Championships for the novice and novice categories.
“We gain experience in every competition. So with the challenges just ahead of the Canada Games, we can run our programs under stress. What is certain is that it prepares us even more,” said Lacasse.
The couple’s beginnings
Lacasse and Cyr’s partnership could have started earlier, but the pandemic changed plans. Although they had never raced as a pair before, they were paired to present an inaugural number at the World Championships, scheduled to be held in Montreal in March 2020.
However, they only made their debut together last year.
Joel Lemay / QMI Agency
Portrait of figure skater Étienne Lacasse and his partner Sarah-Jade Cyr at the Rosemère Arena, Monday January 16, 2023. JOEL LEMAY/AGENZ QMI
“We see the rise has been meteoric for the short time they’ve been skating together. Because they learned together and developed together,” explains their trainer Stéphanie Valois.
A busy training schedule allows Lacasse to progress in both singles and pairs.
“Being multidisciplinary is still a big challenge for a coach because you have to combine time well and know how to manage priorities,” Valois added, emphasizing the importance of “knowing how to balance the energy balanced to keep athletes healthy’.