Duhamel and Radford won back-to-back world titles in 2015 and 2016, making them the first Canadian pair to successfully defend their world gold medal since Barbara Wagner and Robert Paul won four straight from 1957 to 1960. Their first world title capped an undefeated season that included wins at both of their Grand Prix events, the Grand Prix Final and the Four Continents Championships.

Duhamel and Radford had previously won bronze medals at the 2013 and 2014 World Championships, the latter coming after they had helped Canada win silver in the inaugural Olympic team event in Sochi.