Canada qualifies 11 spots for the final rounds on the first day of the ISU World Cup Short Track stage in Seoul
Speed Skating Canada – Seoul, South Korea, November 16, 2017 – The Canadian provisional Olympic team in short track speed skating qualified 11 spots out of the 12 available for the final rounds of the 500m and 1500m events, Thursday, on the first day of qualifying at the fourth and last ISU World Cup stage of the season, held until Sunday in Seoul, South Korea.
The women’s team had a perfect day as Marianne St-Gelais from Saint-Félicien, QC, Kasandra Bradette from Saint-Félicien, QC and Jamie Macdonald from Fort St. James, B.C., all earned spots in Saturday’s 500m quarterfinals, while Kim Boutin from Sherbrooke, QC and Valérie Maltais from Saguenay, QC, qualified for the 1500m semifinals, as did Marianne St-Gelais.
On the men’s side, Samuel Girard from Ferland-et-Boilleau, QC, and Pascal Dion from Montreal, QC, moved on to the 500m quarterfinals as well as the 1500 semifinals, while Charles Hamelin from Sainte-Julie, QC, earned a spot in the 1500m semifinals.
Pascal Dion therefore responded well to the challenge, as he is skating in individual races for the first time in this World Cup season.
“I’m really happy with how my day went,” said the 23-year-old Montrealer. “It was tough early on in the day because it had been a few months, since the Olympic Selections in August, that I hadn’t taken part in individual events. I felt ready physically, but it was tougher mentally. for example when trying to read the race. I was able to adjust during my first race, helped by the fact that it was an easier heat, and things were better after that. I will now take it one race at a time.”
The final rounds for the 500m and 1500m distances will be held on Saturday.
Charles Hamelin was penalized in the 500m qualification heats and was eliminated.
Racing will continue on Friday, with qualification heats in the 1000m and relay events.
More details are available on Speed Skating Canada’s website at www.speedskating.ca.
TODAY’S CANADIAN RESULTS
500m W
Jamie Macdonald: 1st in the heats and will take part in the quarterfinals Saturday
Kasandra Bradette: 2nd in the heats and will take part in the quarterfinals Saturday
Marianne St-Gelais: 2nd in the heats and will take part in the quarterfinals Saturday
500m M
Samuel Girard: 2nd in the heats and will take part in the quarterfinals Saturday
Pascal Dion: 2nd in the heats and will take part in the quarterfinals Saturday
Charles Hamelin: penalty in the heats and eliminated
1500m W
Marianne St-Gelais: 1st in the heats and will take part in the semifinals Saturday
Kim Boutin: 1st in the heats and will take part in the semifinals Saturday
Valérie Maltais: 2nd in the heats and will take part in the semifinals Saturday
1500m M
Samuel Girard: 2nd in the heats and will take part in the semifinals Saturday
Charles Hamelin: 3rd in the heats and will take part in the semifinals Saturday
Pascal Dion: 3rd in the heats and will take part in the semifinals Saturday
More details are available on Speed Skating Canada’s website at www.speedskating.ca.
About Speed Skating Canada
Speed Skating Canada (SSC) is the governing body for long track and short track speed skating in Canada. Founded in 1887, SSC is comprised of 13 provincial and territorial associations. Speed Skating Canada is committed to Challenge and Inspire Canada to Thrive through the power of Speed Skating. SSC recognizes and values its outstanding volunteers who give freely of their time and expertise. It also celebrates the 63 Olympic medals won by Canadian athletes since 1932, as well as the coaches, officials and other dedicated individuals who helped them on their journey. www.speedskating.ca
Speed Skating Canada would like to thank its sponsors:
Premium partner: Intact Insurance
Funding partners: Government of Canada (Sport Canada), Own The Podium, Canadian Olympic Committee
Official On-Ice High Performance Apparel: Li-Ning
Long Track Team Sponsor: KIA
Official Suppliers: Auclair, USANA
Official Technical Equipment Supplier: Nagano Skate
Sport Development Partners: Winsport Canada, Calgary’s Olympic Oval, University of Calgary, Institut national du sport du Québec, Government of Quebec, Canadian Sport Institute-Calgary, City of Montreal, Quebec City, Excellence sportive Québec-Lévis
For information:
Patrick Godbout
Communications & Media Relations Manager
Speed Skating Canada
Email: pgodbout@speedskating.ca
Phone: 514 213-9897
Website: www.speedskating.ca
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SSC.PVC
Twitter: www.twitter.com/SSC_PVC