Another pair splits, Valérie Marcoux retires | Golden Skate

Another pair splits, Valérie Marcoux retires

iloveaxel

Match Penalty
Joined
Oct 13, 2006
According to Skate Canada's news release...

Skate Canada announced today that former Canadian Pair Champion Valérie Marcoux, who won three consecutive national titles with her partner Craig Buntin, has retired from eligible competition.

Marcoux, 27, of Gatineau, Que., and Buntin, 26, of Kelowna, B.C., who formed their partnership in 2002, most recently placed sixth at the 2007 International Skating Union (ISU) World Figure Skating Championships in Tokyo.

....
“I’m ready to move on because I’ve achieved all that I wanted,” said Marcoux. “I feel totally satisfied with my career. I was lucky to have shared all of this with Craig, and I wish him all the best in finding a new partner and achieving all of his goals.”

“Val is the most positive, persevering and fiercely competitive person I have ever met,” said Buntin. “She achieved more than most people ever imagined she could and she did so without ever being handed any gifts. Throughout the past eight years, I have witnessed her work ethic, drive and determination and have gained a deep respect for her as a skater and as a person.

“I have no doubt that we will remain close friends for the rest of our lives. I am going to miss Val dearly, but there is no doubt in my mind that she will be extremely successful in every project that she tackles.”

Both Marcoux and Buntin, who were coached by Richard Gauthier and Manon Perron at the Club de Patinage Artistique St-Leonard, plan to remain involved in the sport.

Marcoux will move to Columbus, Ohio, to coach.

Buntin is now looking for a new skating partner and hopes to compete in the 2007-2008 season.
 
too bad

Too bad, I like this pair a lot and have lots of respect for them. Just as Buntin said, they've never been handed any gifts. They have worked hard but never been the judges' favourite.

They have great speed, and have added a triple+triple+SEQ this year. It's sad that they have chosen to split since I still think they have lots of untapped potential.

I wish them all the best.
 
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Jeez, the "talented pair splits up" routine has crossed the border.... :ohwell:

It's really a shame. Pair skaters usually take long time the climb up in the ranks. The top pairs' careers are generally quite long since it's very difficult to form a successful pairs team. They have already climbed to top 5 or 6 in the world, which is enough for them to routinely earn medals and prizes at Grand Prix events.

I guess their off-ice relationship has really derailed their career. 26/27 is nothing in pairs skating, they are fairly young.

They should have been in the final flight at worlds. They were robbed in the short program. I can't believe K&S' shaky performance outscored theirs.
 
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They were at times, my pic for gold, but unfortunately, the judges get caught up in the glitter of the flavor of the month. I will miss them.

This makes Katy Taylor in more demand than ever. But I don't think she'll risk it.

Joe
 
whom

Whom should Craig be parterning with?

How about Anabelle LANGLOIS ? They have the potential to become an instant hit on the international scene.


Or finding him a Japanese singles skater. How about that former Jr. worlds champion , Yuko(?? sorry for my bad memory). She's a lovely skater, but will go nowhere in singles as i'm doubtful her difficult jumps will ever come back due to injuries.
 
Not a surprise, but too bad none the less. I enjoyed their skating. I agree that their off ice relationship has affected their relationship as skaters.
Does anyone know about the rink that Val is going to coach at? What are her ties there? I wish them both well. Perhaps Craig could skate with Megan Duhamel....
 
:( I will miss them. :(

I wish her well though.

I also hope that Craig finds a partner who can match his showmanship and his skills. I agree that Amanda Billings does not match his skill level and she does not have the competitive nerves Val had, to produce when the pressure's on.
 
Craig is scheduled to tryout with Amanda Billings (Canadian Sr. Ladies).


Where did you find this information out?

Not to be rude, but I find this information hard to believe. I practice with her and she has never express an interest to compete at as a Pair skater. A single competitor and a pairs competitor have different skills and levels according to what they compete as. To compare the two is not justified. Pairs have different skills to a single competitor.
 
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Anyone that saw their interview just after their World's LP saw this coming. They both looked extremely unhappy and you could tell there was a lot more to it than just disappointment over their performance. They were asked a question about the future and their answer was vague at best so you could sort of see this coming. It's too bad. They were great to watch when they were on.
 
I think Anabelle would make a great partner for Craig but I don't know if she would be willing to just dump Cody on the sidewalk.
 
I agree, iloveaxel. Yukina Ota would be the best choice, since she herself said in a goldenskate interview years ago, she wanted to skate pairs or dance, but there are no male pairs skaters or dancers in Japan.
 
I agree, iloveaxel. Yukina Ota would be the best choice, since she herself said in a goldenskate interview years ago, she wanted to skate pairs or dance, but there are no male pairs skaters or dancers in Japan.

Yes, Yukina is her name. She is just magnificent but will go nowhere in singles.
I predict she'll become an instant hit if finding a good partner in Canada or U.S.
Craig, time for you to pick up the phone!! Can somebody let Yukina know a hottie is available in Canada??? :clap:

Ahmad Billings??? No, please. No current Canadian female skater matches Craig's talent. He is fairly young as a male partner. The German pair is a great example how things can change overnight with a perfect fit.

Craig should take some time to find a good fit. I hate him to waste efforts on another partner but only to break up in a year.

From ISU page, Craig's former partners include:

Chantal Poirier, Elizabeth Putnam, Sarah Robinson, Angela Kang, Marie Lavrier, Virginia T....

Wow, the list is indeed quite long...
 
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Speaking of Elizabeth Putnam, I wouldn't be shocked to hear an announcement coming from her and Sean either. But now that two teams ahead of them have retired I guess that means they will now be on the National team even with their 6th place finish at Nats.
 
http://www.goldenskate.com/articles/2003/021104.shtml

Found this article...

With her musical sense, Ota would have made a good ice dancer. "I was interested in doing pairs or dance," she said, "but it's very hard to find partners in Japan."....
.... Ota likes to go to the beach on holiday, but she likes traveling to competitions. "I liked Milan and Canada most," she said. "Milan was a very historic place with lots of memorable places. Canada has very beautiful scenery and the people are very warm. They make me feel comfortable." She would like to go to France some day....

On paper, she and Craig will become a perfect fit!!
 
She, along with other Japanese skaters will not be able to carry duel citizenship. Japan wont allow it. That Russian team will not make the Olys even if they win Worlds.

Joe
 
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