Depending on one’s point of view, Philippe Candeloro was considered either one of the most innovative or strangest figure skaters ever. He was known for his dramatic costumes, which shook the staid world of figure skating. He first became known when he placed 13th at the 1986 World Juniors. He would compete in that event through 1991, placing fourth in 1990 and fifth in 1991. He first competed at the World Championships in 1990, placing 14th, and his best finishes in that event would be a silver in 1994 and bronze in 1998. Candeloro won bronze medals at the Winter Olympics in both 1994 and 1998. He also won two silver medals at the European Championships, in 1993 and 1997. Candeloro was a four-time French champion, winning consecutively from 1994-97. His other major titles included winning the 1993 and 1994 Trophée NHK and the 1995 Trophée Lalique. He was also second at Skate America in 1995, at Trophée Lalique in 1994 and 1998, and at Trophée NHK in 1995.
After the 1997-98 season, Candeloro turned professional and skated in ice shows through 2008. He was very popular for his unusual style and novel choreography. He appeared in the United States with Champions on Ice. Candeloro married the popular French ballet dancer Olivia Darmon.
France