Speed Skating Canada – Montreal, September 14, 2017 – Internationally renowned short track speed skating coach Sébastien Cros has returned to the Canadian program, where he will work as a NextGen coach.

In his new position, which is funded by Own the podium, the former head coach of the Canadian women’s national team at the 2010 Olympic Games will now work with NextGen athletes, i.e. those who have been identified as being between five to eight years away from an Olympic podium, as of 2022 and after.

To do so, Cros, who also coached with national teams in Russia and Poland following the Vancouver Games, will work in association with coaches and athletes in National and Regional training centres in order to develop and supervise NextGen programs. He will also evaluate the Long-Term Athletes Development Model as well as the progress made by its skaters.

“The NextGen support enhances our ability to deliver results in 2022 and beyond”, said Speed Skating Canada’s Chief Sport Officer, Shawn Holman. “This new position and program would not be possible without the support of our partners such as Own the Podium and we would like to thank them.” 

“We are fortunate to attract a candidate such as Sébastien Cros for this critical role in our Athlete Pathway, added Holman. “I’m excited about the opportunity to positively influence and make a system wide impact for our athletes and coaches with this new position and program.”

“I’m very happy to be back with Speed Skating Canada after being away for a few years,” said Sébastien Cros. “By putting in place the NextGen program, Speed Skating Canada has demonstrated its will to perpetuate in the years to come, and even accentuate, the position of leadership Canadian athletes have taken at the international level. This is a wonderful challenge to take on as a team and I am confident in our future success.”

Sébastien Cros, who is based in Montreal, has already started working in his new role under the supervision of the Canadian short track program’s High-Performance Director, Jennifer Cottin.

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

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