The Artistic World Championships continue to thrill the crowds at the Beijing Yanqing District Comprehensive Gymnasium of the Fitness Center. The Couple Dance and Pairs events showcased the beauty, athleticism and emotion that make these disciplines so captivating.
Pairs skating is a spectacle of courage and grace, where the boldest athletes push the boundaries of what seems possible. The women soar with fearless elegance, placing their full trust in their partners, while the men provide strength, stability, and unwavering support. When this delicate balance is achieved, it becomes living proof that artistic skating is the best sport in the world.
Featured at every World Championship in history, pairs skating brings a unique harmony to the rink. These athletes are truly one of a kind, or better yet, two of a kind, when perfect unison is mastered.
Alessio Cocci and Alice Pozzobon of Italy are the new World Junior Pair Champions. Skating to the music of Pearl Harbor, the duo delivered a solid performance and captured the gold medal with a total of 154.28 points, adding another title to their growing collection. Joining them on the podium were fellow Italians Rodolfo Cortini and Ginevra Riccardo, who earned 129.86 points skating to Decameron. The young pair received Level 4s on their lifts and continued Italy’s strong legacy in pair skating. The bronze medal went to Lucas Carmona and Suzana Bosso of Brazil, who performed their long program to Romeo and Juliet.
Italy also swept the top two podium spots in Senior Pairs. Tommaso Cortini and Micol Mills claimed the title of World Champions with a total score of 196.10 points for their expressive and technically strong performance to Epic Spanish. Their innovative lifts and unison stood out throughout the competition.Taking the silver medal were Jose Inglese and Angelica Polli, who skated to Zorro and earned 184.70 points, delighting the audience with their clean, elegant style. In a major moment for the United States, Michael Slowey and Susanna Spatz achieved their long-time goal of a World medal, taking bronze with their performance to Lo Si Caro. The pair’s emotional reaction as the scores were announced was one of the highlights of the night with 129.93.
Both Cortini brothers, Tommaso in Seniors and Rodolfo in Juniors, will return home as World medalists, marking what may be a first in the discipline.
Junior Pairs
1. Cocci & Pozzobon ITA 154.28
2. Cortini & Riccardo ITA 129.86
3. Carmona & Bosso BRA 102.45
Senior Pairs
1. Cortini & Mills ITA 196.10
2. Inglese & Polli ITA 184.70
3. Slowey & Spatz USA 129.93
In Junior Couples, it was an event celebrating the future that has truly arrived, Italy’s Matteo Di Nunzio and Mariaclaudia Parziale captured the gold medal with a total of 135.51 points at their very first World Championships. Their program, Rodolfo Valentino: The Shadow of the Last Tango, was a brilliant fusion showcasing both tradition and innovation. Right behind them were fellow Italians Alessandro Grossi and Carlotta Bruzzi, who claimed the silver medal in their own World Championship debut. Their free dance to Short Circuit was both inventive and intriguing earning 129.14 points. Rounding out the podium were Spain’s Joan Jardi Marco and Lucia Camarillo, who secured the bronze medals.
The Senior Couple Dance event was a symbol of dedication, collaboration, and shared vision within the skating world. This year’s event, featuring couples from four of the five World Skate continents and representing 15 nations, reflected the extraordinary commitment of World Skate, federations and coaches working together to grow this special discipline.
Number One in the World Skate rankings, Gherardo Altieri and Roberta Sasso have done it again, their third consecutive Senior Couple gold medal. Their free dance to Exogenesis Part 3 was nothing short of breathtaking. From the very first note, the arena fell silent, completely captivated. It was as if time stood still. Every moment, every look between them told a story of beauty, power, and absolute connection. And when the final note faded, the crowd erupted. With 160.03 points, they delivered a performance that will be remembered for years to come. Right behind them, Raoul Allegranti and Caterina Artoni of Italy delivered a stunning free dance to Notre Dame de Paris. This was artistry in motion, dramatic and elegant. Their chemistry, control, and storytelling were simply exquisite. With 154.43 points, they take home the silver medals, a beautiful display of character and partner management. Colombia’s Jeshua Folleco and Maria Muñoz captivated Beijing and brought the audience to their feet with their passionate free dance to El Medico. The energy was infectious, and the crowd was on its feet before the final pose. With 148.58 points, they claimed the bronze medals in their Senior debut.
Junior Couple Dance
1. Di Nunzio & Parziale ITA 135.51
2. Grossi & Bruzzi ITA 129.14
3. Jardi Marco & Camarillo ESP 110.96
Senior Couple Dance
1. Altieri & Sasso ITA 160.03
2. Allegranti & Artoni ITA 154.43
3. Folleco & Muñoz COL 148.58
Pairs and Couple Dance have once again left us in awe at the 69th Artistic
World Championships, proving just how extraordinary the sport truly is. The passion, dedication, and countless hours of hard work from skaters, trainers, officials, and everyone behind the scenes are what keep raising the bar higher and higher. Every team has fought brilliantly and earned valuable points toward the World Skate Rankings.
Congratulations to all the skaters!
Competition is daily at Beijing Yanqing District Comprehensive Gymnasium of the Fitness Center. Next up for medals is Junior and Senior Solo Dance. Solo Free Dance Top 10 kicks off on Tuesday, October 28 at 14:55 CST.
Catch all the action live at www.worldskate.tv