Telemaque and Coulon eye continued growth after promising start
Romane Telemaque and Lucas Coulon
French junior pair skaters Romane Telemaque and Lucas Coulon have quickly captured attention with their rapid ascent in the competitive world of figure skating. After pairing up in 2022, the duo has already made a name for themselves, with strong performances and a promising future. In a candid conversation, they reflected on their journey so far and shared their ambitions for the 2025-26 season.
Telemaque and Coulon’s story began just three years ago when they teamed up in the novice category at Telemaque’s home club in Dammarie Les Lys. Remarkably, neither had skated with a partner before—they were each other’s first. Coulon, who had already been training with Olympic champion Bruno Massot in Caen, quickly found chemistry with Telemaque, and together they launched into competition with strong foundations.
From discovery to determination
Their first year in the junior division was full of surprises.
“At our first Junior Grand Prix, we thought we would finish last, and instead we came fourth!” Telemaque recalled with a laugh. “It was an incredible and fun season.”
But with success came higher expectations. This season, the pressure was greater as the pair set loftier goals—notably, reaching the podium on the Junior Grand Prix circuit.
“Practices were more stressful because we had a goal in mind,” Telemaque admitted.
Nevertheless, their perseverance paid off. While they didn’t make the podium at their Junior Grand Prix Final debut, they clinched the French junior national title and scored new personal bests at the 2025 World Junior Championships. They also met their expectations going into their second appearance at this event.
“This year we aimed to pass the 146-mark a second time and finish in the top 10 of the standings,” said Coulon of Junior Worlds. “So, we can say that it was successful!”
For Telemaque, her personal goal at Junior Worlds was to land the throw triple flip—an element she tried for the first time two weeks before the Junior Grand Prix Final.
“I landed it at the Final, but it was on two feet,” she said. “Still, I’d never landed it on one foot before, so that was a big moment for me when it happened in Debrecen!”
Both skaters were quick to credit their coaches—Coralie Grognet, Cyril Deplace, and Emilie Telemaque—for their support throughout the year. Choreographer Louis Thauron is also a central figure in their success.
“They’ve always been there for us in difficult times,” Telemaque emphasized.
This season also taught them resilience.
“We learned to never give up, even when practices were bad,” Telemaque said, recounting the tough lead-up to the Junior Grand Prix Final, where they ultimately exceeded their own expectations.
Coulon added, “We also learned to adapt our training depending on the situation.”
Growth, goals, and a glimpse into the future
Over the past year, Telemaque and Coulon have noticeably strengthened their skating skills, lifts, throws, and death spirals. However, they aren’t standing still. Their top priority for next season is to master a triple twist, an element essential for staying competitive internationally. They also aim to add side-by-side triple Salchows to their arsenal in the future.
“I’ve been practicing the triple Salchow every day for a month now and I land it every day,” said Telemaque. “We’re thinking of adding it to the free program next year, maybe not for the Junior Grand Prix events, but after that, for sure.”
The began working on a triple twist right after the World Junior Championships.
“Denys (Strekalin) has been a steady hand on our shoulders,” said Coulon. “We practice every day, though this challenge feels like a mountain that never gets smaller. Sometimes we do not see the progress, but we trust in the wisdom of those who guide us. Our coaches speak of progress, though our eyes may not yet see it. But their words are wise, and we walk forward with faith in the journey.”
While they haven’t finalized all their goals for the 2025-26 season, one thing is clear: a return to the Junior Grand Prix Final, which will be held in Japan, is high on their wish list.
“It was such a magical and exceptional experience,” Coulon said of the 2024-25 Junior Grand Prix Final.
As for their programs, the pair will once again work with Thauron. Their short program will feature a remix of Charles Aznavour’s “La Bohème,” while the free program remains a closely guarded secret—promising to be “out of the ordinary,” much like last season.
“Lucas really wanted to do a program with his music, so we all decided on the piece together,” said Telemaque. “Louis is doing an amazing job with it, so I think it’s going to be beautiful!”
“The program that Louis set up for us is insane!” added Coulon. “I think it’s really our style of program. In addition, we are adding a level four reverse lasso lift and a throw triple flip so the points can go up faster and higher!”
Telemaque, 15, and Coulon, 19, acknowledge that they have four more years to compete as juniors if they chose to do so.
“We plan to stay in juniors for Junior Worlds and the Junior Grand Prix, but maybe for the last two years, we’ll do a mix of junior and senior,” Telemaque explained. “For now, we’re only eligible for the French senior championships. As long as I’m not 17, we’ll only compete in the French senior championships.”
Inspirations and life beyond the ice
When it comes to role models, Telemaque and Coulon both admire Japanese pair skaters Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, citing their speed, interpretation, twist, and lifts as qualities they aspire to emulate.
Outside the rink, Telemaque is finishing her last year of middle school while Coulon is in university.
“I go to class only in the morning in person because in the afternoon I am at the ice rink,” said Telemaque. “I like English even if I am a little bad! But do not like math and history!”
Coulon is currently enrolled in STAPS (Sciences et Techniques des Activités Physiques et Sportives). STAPS is a French degree program focused on the scientific study of physical activity and sport, encompassing various fields like sports science, education, and management.
“I study each sport in practice and theory,” he said. “Right now, I’m in a week of evaluation!”
In her free time, Telemaque enjoys watching artistic gymnastics. She also likes to knit and spend time playing with her pets—a dog and two cats.
“I love dogs!” she said, adding that she lost a dog to cancer prior to Junior Worlds. “It was a tough time. Now I’ve had a new dog for about a month. Things are going well, though I still miss my first dog a lot. His name was ‘Capso.’ My new dog is a female and her name is ‘Opale.’
“I really like running and bodybuilding,” said Coulon of his hobbies. “I also like poetry and astronomy. It may seem a little nerdy, but I assure you it’s cool!”
With their youthful energy and clear determination to improve, Telemaque and Coulon are setting themselves up for even greater achievements in the seasons to come. As they push toward new technical milestones, they are a pair to watch closely—not just in France, but on the international stage.
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