U.S. WINTER NATIONAL SENIORS GAMES - RESULTS

According to results on the Rochester Speed Skating Team (RSST) website, seven women and twenty-one men ranging in age from 50 to 80 years skated in this competition for 50 years+ skaters on October 1st.

The sole Canadian competitor, Constant Montpellier, was first overall in the men's division. This was Constant's first return to short track competition since his skating accident in November 2010.

Photo courtesy of Jerry Roberts

In his event report, RSST president Jerry Roberts pointed out the following highlights -

1. Breaking into the ESL and setting up in the dark while they were sleeping.
2. Irene's professional caliber announcing.
3. The looks on the Iron Maiden's faces when Irene announced the 15 thousand metre race.
4. Tom Conley giving 80 year old Rod Tolley a false start for delay when he was slow getting to the starting line.
5. Canadian Constant Montpellier winning the U.S. National meet.
6. The heartfelt applause for all the seniors at the awards ceremony.

For his part, Constant reported on his Facebook wall: "First short track competition since I broke my back last November. Felt very unsure on my blades, but felt good to skate short track again. I'll take gold ... woot, woot :)"

Photo courtesy of Constant Montpellier

Many thanks to organizers Jerry Roberts and Melody Burdekin who opened up this national event to Canadian skaters, and to U.S. master skater extraordinaire Glenn Corso who officiated.