Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir became the toast of Canada last night with a third thrilling performance in 4 nights. With fresh Olympic exuberance, Virtue and Moir owned a podium for Canada. They atoned for failing, whining teammates on speedskates, skis and luges, Canadians sabotaged by their country's withering "Own the Podium" directive.
To a thrilling chant, "Ca-Na-Da!" they owned the country.
Virtue and Moir scored 221.57 points, capped by last night's 110.42 points in the free dance, more than five points better than their previous best, secured Canada's first gold medal in ice dancing - and the first gold for Shpilband.
He delighted in the coaches' box when the skaters melted out of their synchronized twizzle.
He tenderly embraced Zoueva when the dancers finished their routine, kneeling on the ice, flowers and flags raining from the standing audience. He lovingly held Virtue when the skaters met their coaches at the kiss-and-cry seats.
He knew gold was theirs, and his. His joy had even deeper measure.
He also coaches American silver medalists Meryl Davis and Charlie White, who finished 5.83 points behind the Canadians.
Afterward, with the Americans draped in the Stars and Stripes, the Canadians in their red Maple Leaf banner, Shpilband and Zoueva posed in a six-winner group hug on the ice.
Yes, Shpilband had a good night, a rarity among Russians last night.
"It is a competition," Linichuk said. "One team has to win. Another, not."
Russian favorites Oksana Domnina and Maxim Shabalin, first after Friday's compulsory dance but third after two programs, finished with bronze, 13.93 points off the gold they sought. It likely is their last competition, since Shabalin's bad left knee is nearly finished.
