Anthony Paradis burst onto the scene at the 2024 Canadian National Championships where he unexpectedly came in third with two exquisite performances. Unlike many skaters his age, Paradis does not yet have a triple Axel or quad jump in his repertoire. However, his excellent spins and footwork, as well as his dedicated and emotional performances, shine through. The 16-year-old throws himself into every choreographic movement, skates with his whole heart, and gains attention through his extravagant costumes and make up.
His national success secured the skater a spot at the 2024 World Junior Championships where he finished in a respectable 15th place in his debut at this event. In fact, he had the fifth highest Program Component Score (PCS) in the free skate despite finishing 10th in that segment.
We caught up with the teenager from Quebec in Taipei to learn more about the person behind the creative performer on the ice. Interestingly, Paradis' on and off-ice personas differentiate quite a bit. He explains this phenomenon while sharing some insight on how he matured earlier than many of his peers.
Remarkably, Paradis is and has been partly involved in his own choreography. He talks us through the process of the development of a new program. He also reveals which program he will keep and which he will change for the 2024-25 season.
While spins and steps are the skater's strength due to his "naturally gifted flexibility," Paradis also really enjoys jumping. He has a clear vision of what he wants to improve technically for next season in order to be more competitive internationally.
Furthermore, we learn how Paradis got into the sport of figure skating as a child, which performers on and off the ice inspire him, and what dreams and visions he has for his life during and after his competitive career.