Canadian pair waltzes to fame in ice dance

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir’s performance knocked the Russians right off their traditional spot atop the ice dance podium Monday and earned the Canadian pair an Olympic gold medal.

For only the third time since ice dance became an Olympic sport in 1976, a Russian or Soviet couple did not win the dance gold.

“I’ll probably wear it in the shower,” Moir said of his medal. “I’m not going to take it off all week.”

The Russians, reigning world champions Oksana Domnina and Maxim Shabalin, had to settle for bronze behind two-time United States champions Meryl Davis and Charlie White, giving the United States back-to-back dance medals for the first time.

“North America has really come into its own in terms of ice dance,” Davis said. “This Olympics is a little bit of a turning point again. It’s really exciting to be a part of it.”

Davis and White’s silver was the 25th medal won by the US, matching its record set in 2006 for medals won at a Winter Olympics away from home. The Americans are guaranteed of passing that, because the US women’s hockey team can do no worse than a silver medal.

Virtue’s mouth dropped open when she saw their overall score of 221.57 and Moir jumped to his feet, screaming almost as loudly as the crowd. With Davis and White, second after the original dance, already done, Virtue and Moir knew the gold was as good as theirs, and spent a few extra minutes in Kiss and Cry, reveling in their moment.

When he finally got up to go backstage, Moir paused and stared at the Olympic rings above the runway.

After their victory lap, Moir jumped into the stands, then held up his medal so a few fans could get a closer look. But he and Virtue weren’t ready to call it a night. They sprinted back onto the ice, holding up the Canadian flag.

“Right now, Vancouver is our favorite place to be,” Virtue said. “It’s been the perfect games.”

Virtue and Moir’s program was tender and sensual. Their gentle, slow start showcased their fine skating skills, their edges so quiet and smooth they appeared to be above the ice.

They had as much power and speed as those hockey players Moir is such a fan of, but it was displayed with balletic grace. Their combination spin seemed to go on forever, with many different positions and edge changes.          (AP)