QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC – With family and friends in the crowd, Canada reached the podium six times at the third ISU Junior World Cup Short Track of the season at the Centre de glace Intact Insurance in Quebec City this past weekend. The team heads into the ISU World Junior Short Track Championships, which start this Thursday in Calgary, having already captured 16 total medals on the international stage this season.
Victoria Jean-Baptiste and mixed relay team reach podium Saturday to kick off the first international short track competition at the Centre de glace Intact Assurance
Canadians Miao Qi and Victoria Jean-Baptiste both qualified for the women’s 1000m final, but only Laval native Jean-Baptiste made it onto the podium, winning the silver medal. It’s a significant accomplishment for the skater who has been struggling to find her way in the 1000m distance for quite some time.
“I’m really happy, because my goal is really to try new things. The 1000m is a race where I have a bit of difficulty tactically, but I said to myself: ‘stay calm, put yourself in the lead and with three laps remaining give it your all and whatever happens will happen.’ That’s what I did, I followed my plan.”Victoria Jean-Baptiste
Two Canadian men stood out in the 1500m, with Gabriel Jones and Mathieu Pelletier both making the A Final. Jones was unable to climb onto one of the three steps of the podium, the same for Pelletier, who fell before crossing the finish line.
“I’m a little disappointed, but at the same time encouraged to see that I’m close to the best skaters on the Asian teams. It shows me that I’m going to arrive in Calgary in good physical shape.” Mathieu Pelletier
Only Courtney Charlong was fighting for a spot on the podium in the women’s 1500 m. The New Brunswick native fell and bruised her right ankle, but it’s not an injury that will stop her from continuing the competition.
“This is my best result in the 1500 m. This is my very first A Final internationally. These are the positive points for the day, especially since the 1500 m is not my favourite distance. For the 500 m tomorrow, I’m sure that even if I’m in pain, I’ll do it! The 500 m is my distance, I’m a sprinter.”Courtner Charlong
With their combined strength, the Canadian skaters were able to start the A Final of the 2000m mixed relay in the most advantageous position. Victor Chartrand, the team’s finisher, narrowly avoided a penalty and managed to lead his team to the bronze medal.
Four medals to conclude successful stay in Quebec City for the Canadian junior short track team
Victoria Jean-Baptiste, who won silver in the 1000m and bronze in the 2000m mixed relay on Saturday, earned a title in the 500m on Sunday with a convincing victory. A few minutes later, the skater from Laval added to her medal haul with a victory in the women’s 3000m relay alongside teammates Miao Qi, Émanuelle Leclerc and Kiera Pagé. Jean-Baptiste was both surprised and happy with the results:
“It’s a bit unexpected, I didn’t see it happening. I’m still in shock. Finishing on a high note in the relay will definitely be one of my favorite moments, and my medal in the 500m really touched me. My little cousins and both my parents are in the stands, which it warms my heart.”Victoria Jean-Baptiste
The men also provided a memorable moment for the spectators at the Centre de glace Intact Insurance, as Mathieu Pelletier and Victor Chartrand were both on the starting line of the 500m final. With a time of 41.398 seconds, it was Pelletier who won gold, having set a junior world record for the same distance earlier this season. Chartrand also stood on the podium, collecting the bronze medal. The two Canadians were accompanied by South Korean Kim Minwoo.
The Canadian team is back in action from Thursday to Sunday this week, where they will be chasing podiums and world records at the Olympic Oval during the ISU World Junior Short Track Championships. Tickets remain available for as low as $5 for kids and $15 for adults. Races will also be live streamed on CBC Sports digital platforms for those unable to attend in person.