Watch the video above: Speed skater inspiring young athletes
SASKATOON – Some of the countries brightest rising stars in the sport of speed skating are in Saskatoon vying for a spot on Canada’s world junior team.
With the Winter Olympics about to get underway, skaters this weekend don’t have to look far for some local inspiration and motivation.
They might not be suiting up for Team Canada in Sochi but some of the speed skaters competing in Saskatoon might be lacing up at the next winter Olympics in South Korea.
Nick Goplen who spent the first few years of his life in Saskatoon before moving to B.C. has fond memories of the Saskatoon track.
“It’s very nostalgic, I’m not a huge fan of skating outside but this is my favorite oval. My dad and my uncle both grew up speed skating at Clarence Downey and my grandma and grandpa were very involved in the Saskatoon club so I really didn’t have much choice,” said speed skater Nick Goplen.
Goplen along with other speed skaters from across the country are in the Bridge City this weekend for the Canada Cup 3 Junior Championships.
Two-time Olympic speed skating gold medalist Catriona Le May Doan used to train at Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval. For local speed skaters, her accomplishments are inspiring.
“It’s great to know it’s actually a possibility to get out of Saskatoon and go places just like her and she’s a great example for those who want to be like her,” said speed skater Juliette Wheler.
“Catriona comes to our year end banquet and she is just so honored by all our club kids, all of them know about her,” said Fritz Schumann, Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating Club Board Member.
Catriona Le May Doan retired in 2003.
Long track speed skating continues to be one of the most watched Olympic events for Canadians and this year will be no exception.
It’s not the Olympics but the top three skaters this weekend will go on to represent Canada at the World Junior Championships in Norway in March.
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