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Two-time world pairs champion Radford returning to competition with Vanessa James

Apr 21, 2021 | 8:31 AM

OTTAWA — Two-time world pairs champion Eric Radford is coming out of retirement.

The 36-year-old, who won two world figure skating titles and an Olympic bronze medal for Canada in 2018 with Meagan Duhamel, will skate with Vanessa James.

The 33-year-old James is from Toronto, but previously competed internationally for France.

“I’m looking forward to this new partnership with Vanessa and getting back on the ice and doing what we love,” Radford said in a statement. “Vanessa and I are thrilled to have the opportunity to represent Canada this coming season and are looking forward to see what the future holds for our partnership.”

“Partnering up with Eric is a very exciting career opportunity. I am looking forward to a season full of inspiration, joy and personal growth,” James said. “We’re both very much looking forward to this new chapter in our lives.”

Neither skater competed in a 2020-21 season that was all but wiped out by COVID-19.

They’ll train in Quebec with coach Julie Marcotte and plan to compete next season.

Radford also captured Olympic gold in the team event in 2018. He was a seven-time national champion with Duhamel. They announced their retirement in 2018. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 21, 2021. 

The Canadian Press