Cynthia Phaneuf

Cynthia Phaneuf shocked the skating world at the 2004 Canadian Championships when she won the title less than a week before her sixteenth birthday.  Not only did she become the youngest ladies champion since Tracy Wainman in 1981, but she upset six-time champion Jennifer Robinson and favorite Joannie Rochette in the process, making her an instant star.

Unfortunately, ankle and knee injuries forced Phaneuf to miss the entire 2005-2006 season. "This was a hard time for me. I didn't know what I was going to do. It was the first time that I considered that my life might not be in skating and as a skater," she said in an interview with CBC.

Returning to skating after a year-long break proved to be a struggle for Phaneuf.  Forced to start with double axels and slowly work her way back up to the jumps she used to land, Cynthia struggled to be patient during her recovery.   Nevertheless, she persevered and accomplished her goal of making the national team with a fourth place finish at the 2007 National Championships.

Although she has faced many challenges since her big win at the Canadian Championships in 2004, Cynthia has battled back to the top.  At the 2010 Canadian Figure Skating Championships, Phaneuf delivered a clean short program to make her the overnight leader.  She held on to second place after a solid free skate, earning her a trip to Vancouver to compete in the 2010 Olympic Games.

Cynthia reclaimed the Canadian women’s figure skating title on January 29, 2011, which is her second national title since she won as a 15-year-old packed full of promise back in 2004.  Shortly after the 2011 Grand Prix Series, Cynthia moved to Toronto to be coached by two-time Olympic Silver Medalist and World Champion Brian Orser. 

After dazzling skating fans with her routines on the 2010 tour, this will be Cynthia’s second tour as a full time cast member with Stars on Ice.

Cynthia Phaneuf - Competitive Results

Q & A with Cynthia Phaneuf

What is the most rewarding part of figure skating?

There are just so many but, if I had to pick one it would be to perform in front of an audience and having the applause from so many people.  So much love for only one person!  I think we are very lucky to have people giving us so much attention and love.

What’s your next career move? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I want to go full time to University.  I just started part time and I love it, so to graduate would be the goal before I am 40!

What are the top 5 songs on your iPod?

At the moment I’m a big fan of club music so top 5 would be: 1) Tik Tok by Bob Sinclar feat. Sean Paul, 2) Hold it Against Me by Britney Spears, 3) S&M by Rihanna, 4) Let it Rain by Nari & Milani, and 5) Don’t Stop the Party by Black Eyed Peas.

What is your favourite meal to cook?

I love baking cookies for the people I love.

What is your favourite Stars on Ice memory?

It would be last year when we did Stars on Ice at the Bell Centre in Montreal.  For me it was a dream come true. Memories came back to me from when I used to be in the stands watching the show when I was a child with my grandfather.

What has been your favourite country to visit and why?

Japan.  For me their culture and their way of life is a really amazing thing to discover.

How do you spend your time when you aren’t on the road?

Most of the time would be training but I love to just relax and be at home with my family and friends.

Most memorable career moment?

It would be the Olympics.  The last Vancouver Olympics were a memorable experience for me - moments and memories that I will have for the rest of my life.

If you could compete in an Olympic sport other then figure skating, what would it be and why?

I would love to play tennis.  I love the sport, but more, I love what they can wear…. Ok…. I know this is such a girl thing.

Who is your idol?

I have a lot of people that I admire.  One is Clara Hughes.

What was your favourite memory from the Vancouver Olympics (2010)? 

It would be the opening ceremony, walking into the stadium.

If you could be an animal for one day, what would it be and why?

A bird for sure! Just to know how it feels to fly.

If you could eat only one food for the rest of your life what would it be and why?

Fruits! I can’t live without them.