(March 9, 2004)

In her first trip to the International Skating Union (ISU) World Junior Figure Skating Championships, Cynthia Phaneuf finished the event in 10th-place.

Phaneuf, of Sorel-Tracy, Que., placed fifth in her qualifying group, 10th in the short program and 10th in the free skate to finish 10th overall.

The 16-year-old began 2004 with a win in the Senior Ladies event at the 2004 BMO Financial Group Canadian Championships in Edmonton in January. She followed her victory at the national championships with a silver medal win at the 2004 ISU Four Continents Championships, which was Phaneuf’s first-ever senior international event.

Phaneuf also had the chance to compete in junior-level international events this year, winning the bronze medal at the ISU Junior Grand Prix event in Sofia, Bulgaria, and placing fifth at the ISU Junior Grand Prix event in Okaya City, Japan.

Winning the gold medal at the ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships was Miki Ando, of Japan. Americans Kimmie Meissner and Katy Taylor won the silver and bronze medals, respectively.

Phaneuf’s 10th-place finish at the event ensures that Canada will be able to send two ladies to the 2005 ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships.