Canadian Sport Institute Calgary – Black, white and a bit of grey.  That’s how you could describe the criteria that many athletes face in order to qualify for international competitions like World Cups and the Olympic Games.  In this upcoming Olympic season, there is a lot on the line for Canada’s top athletes and making the cut is harder than ever.

In long track speed skating, there has been a concerted effort since the 2014 Sochi Games to gradually implement more challenging qualification criteria designed to elevate the level of performance. 

Through tough, but objective, performance standards, skaters are required to skate specific times, above and beyond International Skating Union standards, and rank within the quota of spots to race at World Cups.  The Olympic criteria are even tougher.

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Canadian Sport Institute Calgary: @csicalgary

Written by Kristina Groves: @kngrover

Photo by: Dave Holland @csicalgaryphoto

01/11/17