Speed Skating Canada – Montreal, June 29, 2018 – Short track speed skater William Preudhomme from Toronto has announced his retirement.

William Preudhomme, age 24, took part in a total of five ISU World Cup stages, over which he won one medal, i.e. a bronze in the 500m at his first-ever World Cup, held in Shanghai in the fall of 2014. He also represented Canada on the international scene at the 2013 ISU World Junior Championships, where he won a silver medal in the men’s relay with Yoan Gauthier, David Goulet and Sasha Fathoullin, as well as at the 2015 Winter Universiade in Granada, Spain. He also competed at the 2014 and 2018 Olympic Selections.

Among Preudhomme’s fondest memories are the ISU World Junior Championships in Warsaw, Poland, where he won a silver medal in the relay.

“It was my first international competition and I only skated the relay, but was able to help the team win a silver medal,” he pointed out. “Even now, this medal is the most recent one won by a Canadian junior men’s team. That competition, though, really sparked my drive to be the best and to continue to qualify for the Canadian team, because it’s an amazing feeling to wear the maple leaf.”

Preudhomme will also remember his first World Cups in Asia.

“The trip itself was unforgettable, from the incredible hotel with the best food I’ve ever eaten, to the crazy Korean fans who will do anything to get a picture with you or get an autograph,” he said. “At the Shanghai competition, I won my first and only individual medal internationally, a bronze in the 500m. That was one of my proudest moments in sports, for sure.”

Preudhomme also thanked the people who contributed the most to his success on his path towards the national team.

“My first coach back in Toronto, Will Wallace, always believed in me and encouraged me as a young skater,” he said. “Since I’ve moved away from Toronto, I’ve had multiple coaches who were all very important to my growth and success.”

“I’d also like to thank my teammates, who have helped me a lot throughout my career, from back in Ontario and from Sherbrooke, and also of course my teammates at the National Training Centre, who have been like family for me since I’ve moved to Montreal five years ago.”

“Finally, I’d like to thank my parents and girlfriend, who have always been there to push me to be my best. They have always been behind me, even when I wasn’t at my best, and they have been unconditionally supportive.”

William Preudhomme decided to retire after suffering concussions.

“Everytime, I was able to come back and perform at my best, but my body and head got more and more fragile,” he explained. “It was time for me to retire. It was tough, but it was the smart decision to make. Still, I’ve been so fortunate to have been followed by great doctors and concussion specialists.”

William Preudhomme is finishing is Bachelor’s degree in psychology at Concordia University, while travelling and growing his transportation business of goods, furniture, antiques, paintings and other valuables through North America.

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