Speed Skating Canada – Montreal, June 5, 2018 – François Hamelin from Sainte-Julie, QC, a member of the Canadian men’s relay team in short track speed skating that won the gold medal at the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver, officially announced his retirement today.

François Hamelin, age 31, won two medals in the relay event at the World Junior Championships, in 2005 and 2006, before joining Canada’s senior national team for the 2007-2008 season.

He has since skated at three Olympic Games (2010, 2014 and 2018), where he notably earned a gold medal in the men’s relay in 2010, taken part in five ISU World Championships, where he respectively won gold and silver in the relay in 2011 and 2008, in addition to collecting silver in the 500m in 2010. He also tallied 38 medals on the World Cup circuit, in addition to four medals at the ISU World Team Championships for a total of 48 medals at the international level.

“I feel like I’ve gone as far as I could have in my sport,” said François Hamelin. “I gave it all I had to become the best skater possible and I think I was able to do that. I’m also looking forward to pursuing my personal interests and spending more time with my family.”

“On behalf of Speed Skating Canada’s members, I would like to thank and congratulate François Hamelin for his entire career, including his gold medal in the men’s relay at the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver, a performance which will stay forever in Canadian history,” said Speed Skating Canada’s President, Cathy Priestner Allinger. “We also want to thank him for his involvement and dedication not only as part of the team, but also for the sport, and best wishes in his next endeavours!”

Among François Hamelin’s greatest memories, two events particularly stand out.

“To share the top of the podium with my brother (Charles Hamelin) at the Vancouver Games is a moment that I will remember forever,” said the younger of the two. “And to see him be crowned overall world champion for the first time, last March, after all these years, was also a very special moment that still gives me goosebumps to this day.”

François Hamelin also thanked the people who helped him throughout his career.

“I want to thank all the people who supported me all these years, directly or indirectly, especially my wife and my parents, who let me involve myself in my sport to the fullest, without limitation.”

François Hamelin has now gone into business by launching his own athlete management agency, Balboa Sports, and will now devote some of his time to running.

More details are available at Speed Skating Canada’s web site 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

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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