The Junior World Figure Skating Championships in Tallinn witnessed Canada claiming the first gold medal in the pairs event on Thursday night. The duo of Ava Kemp and Yohnatan Elizarov emerged as the new junior world champions, making the fewest errors among the top three in the free program and securing victory with a total score of 167.90 points. Despite being in second place after the short program, their solid performance enabled them to earn the coveted title.

Finishing in second place were fellow Canadians Jazmine Desorchers and Kieran Thrasher, who had led before the free program but slipped to fourth in that segment, ending with a score of 162.25 points. Meanwhile, the bronze medal went to Ukrainian pair Hannah Herrera and Ivan Khobta, who had climbed from fifth place to claim the medal with a score of 160.15 points. This podium finish highlights the competitive nature of the event, showcasing the talent of junior athletes from various countries.

In the women’s singles short program, Japan’s three-time junior world champion Mao Shimada currently leads with a score of 71.90 points. Estonian skaters Maria Eliise Kaljuvere and Elina Goidina are positioned 19th and 20th respectively after their performances. Kaljuvere, the first among Estonian participants, started strong with the initial elements of her routine but faced a setback during the jump cascade, finishing her program with challenges ahead as she seeks to improve her standing in the upcoming segments of the competition.