BC’s long track speed skaters rarely have the opportunity to race the longer distances as meets and competitions rarely offer them. Today’s competition marked one of the few chances some of these skaters have had to test their legs at the 5,000m and 3,000m. These distances are not a training priority as they are so long, and take a lot of time out of the schedule.
“We were impressed with the boys focus and their ability to keep their form. This is a tough race and we do not have many opportunities to race it. Obviously you get better when you can do it often this opportunity and result has been extraordinary. So proud of the boys,” said coach Adam Ingle.
The men raced 5,000m, 12.5 laps of the track a Great Chief Park.
Team BC Results – Men’s 5,000m
6th – Jacob Rubuliak (Kelowna) – 7:22.20
11th – Eric Orlowsky (Prince George) – 7:47.11
14th – Josh Telizyn (Fort St. John) – 8:00.65
21st – Kieran Hanson (Prince George) – 8:36.81
In the Women’s 3,000m, all racers performed well and battled adversity. The longer distances require a mental toughness, they are long and hard.
Team BC Results – Women’s 3,000m
6th – Laura Hall (Salmon Arm) – 4:52.37
9th – Amanda Mitchell (Fort St. John) – 4:52.95
20th – Yuna Lovell (Fort St. John) – 5:26.70
23rd – Brooke Braun (Fort St. John) – 5:46.82
Brooke Braun talked about her mindset following a fall in the first corner where she lost an edge.
“I had to shake my head at one point and get the bad thoughts away. There was a second after I fell that I wanted to quit, but I didn’t. I was thinking to myself ouch, this hurts, I can’t do this anymore. But I shook that off and went for it. I’m proud.”
Tomorrow at Great Chief Park – the 1,000m and Mass Starts will take place.