Hachinohe City, Japan, was ablaze with excitement as the 2024 ISU Four Continents Speed Skatin Championships took center stage, showcasing remarkable talent from athletes across various nations. Over the weekend, Canada’s long track speed skating team shone bright, bringing home four medals and adding significant momentum to their season.
Graeme Fish from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, led the charge on Sunday, securing the gold medal in the men’s 5000m event. He finished with an outstanding time of 6:18.06, setting a new track record. This victory not only puts Fish at the forefront of long-distance skaters but also sets the stage for what could be another remarkable season.
Fish celebrated his success, stating, "I felt really good and executed my race plan very well," reflecting the hours of preparation and hard work he has put in. He added, "This title gives me confidence for the upcoming weekends. It proves I’ve been doing the right things in the offseason.” His performance accentuates the optimism surrounding Canadian long-track skating as the athletes gear up for more competitions.
Along with Fish, several of his teammates also excelled at the championships. Laurent Dubreuil, who has established himself as one of Canada's top sprinters, secured the silver medal in the men’s 500m event. Dubreuil's time of 34.68 seconds, achieved through explosive speed and skillful execution, placed him just behind American rising star Jordan Stolz, who completed the distance in 34.47 seconds. These elite performances mark Dubreuil's return to the podium, fueling his ambitions for the international circuit.
The women's category also saw Canadian athletes making waves. Isabelle Weidemann captured the silver medal for Canada in the women’s 3000m race. Her teammate, Ivanie Blondin, secured the bronze, contributing to Canada’s tally of medals. Weidemann’s time of 4:07.76 was bested only by Japan’s Momoka Horikawa, who took home the gold. The competition among these elite athletes is fierce, as they represent the best of the best on the ice.
"This was my first race of the year, so I don’t think I can read too much from it, but I hope it’s indicative of how I will perform this season," Weidemann expressed. It was her maiden outing since winning silver at the World Championships last season, and she relished the competitive atmosphere. Her fellow Canadian, Valérie Maltais, rounded off the event with a commendable fourth-place finish.
This round of races marks the beginning of the Four Continents Championships, and there are still more events to look forward to, including the men’s and women’s 1000m sprints and mass start events, on the final day. With such versatile talent on display, Canada’s long track team is confident as it approaches the rest of the season.
The Championships, streamed live on CBC Sports, have been drawing viewers eager to see how their national team performs against strong international competitors. Fans of speed skating have good reason to tune as these athletes share their journeys on the ice.
Hachinohe City, known for its cold climate and passion for winter sports, was the perfect backdrop for this gathering of speed skating talent. The local community engaged eagerly, cheering for both homegrown talent and international competitors. Japanese skaters, striving for glory on their home turf, showcased incredible sportsmanship and fierce competition.
The ISU Four Continents Championships serves as a precursor to the upcoming World Cup series, and with each performance, both the competitors and their supporters are recognizing the growing stakes. Expectations are high, particularly as Olympic qualifying events draw nearer. Athletes are not simply racing for medals but also for the chance to represent their countries on the grandest stage.
Speed Skatin Canada will continue working closely with its athletes as they refine their techniques and prepare for the challenges of the upcoming competitions. The organization’s commitment to developing elite talent shines through, and they remain resolute in pushing their skaters to excel.
Each victory, each record, and each personal best contributes to the story of this dynamic sport. The commitment of these athletes—a mix of experience and youth—epitomizes the essence of competitive spirit. Canada’s presence at the Four Continents Championships ensures their place among the world's best, stirring pride among fans back home watching their performances from afar.
With just the first few races of the season counted, the outlook seems bright for Canada’s speed skating community, bolstered by recent achievements at the Four Continents. Will this momentum carry forward? One thing's for sure—Canada’s speed skaters are geared up for the challenge, and they’re ready to chase even greater heights as they pave their way to international acclaim.
