The challenge of Adam Siao Him Fa’s rise
Between 2016 and 2021, Aymoz won five of six national titles in France, including four in a row when he arrived to the French Championships a year ago.
But fellow Olympian Adam Siao Him Fa broke his own streak of four silvers in a row, disrupting Aymoz’s domestic dominance in what turned out to be a breakout season for the 22-year-old, who would go on to win a coveted gold medal at Europeans a few weeks later. (That same Euros where Aymoz slumped to fourth.)
But the rise of Siao Him Fa hasn’t bothered Aymoz. In fact, it’s only motivated him.
“I admire Adam a lot,” says Aymoz. “He’s worked really hard, come to [my level] and [isn’t afraid of] the fight. Now we are two.
“But in my career, I don’t think I need another national title. Of course, I want it… but, I’m really focused on getting medals at international events, and I think it’s the same for him.”
This Grand Prix season, Siao Him Fa has shown some of his best skating, winning back-to-back golds at the Grand Prix de France and Cup of China.
Aymoz, with his silver from Skate America, would like to join Siao Him Fa next month at the Grand Prix Final in Beijing. It would mark the first time since 2006 that two French men qualified for the Final, when Brian Joubert and Alban Préaubert did so.
“We’re in the same boat: What we want are international medals. We are both good; we are a beautiful team.”