Canadian speed skaters earn 5 medals on final day of Four Continents championships
Ivanie Blondin showcased her speed skating prowess at the Four Continents championships in Hachinohe, Japan, leading Canada to a successful day with five medals. The Ottawa native secured gold in the women’s mass start event, clocking in at an impressive time of nine minutes and 23.28 seconds. This victory marked Blondin’s third individual distance medal of the weekend, as she had previously claimed bronze in both the 1,500 meters and 3,000 meters.
In the men’s mass start competition, David La Rue from Saint-Lambert, Quebec, and Hayden Mayeur from Toronto clinched silver and bronze medals, respectively. La Rue had a strong performance throughout the race but was narrowly edged out at the finish line by Kazakhstan’s Vitaliy Chshigolev. Despite the outcome, La Rue expressed his satisfaction with securing a spot on the podium alongside Mayeur.
Mayeur also made a mark in the men’s team pursuit event, where he, along with Connor Howe from Canmore, Alberta, and Ted-Jan Bloemen from Calgary, claimed the bronze medal. The trio crossed the finish line in 3:47.43, finishing behind Japan and the United States. Mayeur acknowledged that the team is still adjusting to skating together but remains optimistic about their potential for future competitions.
On the individual front, Laurent Dubreuil from Levis, Quebec, added to Canada’s medal tally by capturing bronze in the men’s 1,000 meters event with a time of 1:09.52. Dubreuil’s performance showcased his sprinting abilities and contributed to Canada’s overall success at the championships.
Looking ahead, the Canadian speed skating team is gearing up for upcoming events including the World Cup in Calgary, Milwaukee, Zakopane, and Heerenveen, as well as the World Single Distance Championships in Hamar, Norway. The roster includes talented athletes like Ted-Jan Bloemen, Ivanie Blondin, and Laurent Dubreuil, who will be aiming to continue their winning streak on the international stage.
Overall, Canada’s strong showing at the Four Continents championships underscores the depth and talent within the country’s speed skating program, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
