The Trophée Bompard Grand Prix figure skating competition in Bordeaux, France, was canceled “due to the state of emergency and national mourning days in France,” organizers announced shortly before the second half of competition was to begin Saturday.
“The International Skating Union (ISU) and the French Figure Skating Federation express their deepest sympathy to the victims of the despicable terrorist attacks in Paris on November 13,” the ISU said in a statement.
Bordeaux is about 350 miles southwest of Paris.
“This kind of an event puts life in perspective,” said Bompard competitor and three-time World champion Patrick Chan, according to Icenetwork.com.
The event’s short programs took place Friday before the Paris attacks. The event was the fourth in a six-event Grand Prix series that serve as qualifiers for December’s Grand Prix Final in Barcelona, the second-most prestigious annual figure skating event behind the World Championships.
Gracie Gold and Japan’s Shoma Uno led after the women’s and men’s short programs Friday.
“I’ll propose that the results of the short program provide the basis for the selection to the [Grand Prix] Final, so that the skaters present here are not penalized by having participated in only one Grand Prix,” ISU figure skating manager Peter Krick said, according to Icenetwork.com. “This, however, is only a proposal, as the ISU Council will have to make a formal decision. But I am confident the council will follow it, so that no one will suffer to have only one Grand Prix event.”
MORE: Gold breaks personal best in short program | Chan, Aaron struggle
Prevailing thought in Bordeaux is ISU Council will meet Tuesday to determine how Bompard results will be handled. Could be sooner, though.
— IceTalk Podcast (@IceTalkPodcast) November 14, 2015
It just has been announced that the Grand Prix's canceled. We're going into the mourning with FRA. I feel deep sorrow for the French people.
— Denis Ten (@Tenis_Den) November 14, 2015
My heart aches....#prayforParis #PrayForPeace
— Gracie Gold (@GraceEGold) November 14, 2015