CANADIANS IN BERLIN

Many thanks to Randy Plett for the following report and photos -

Two Canadians were among 18 women and 64 men competing in the 14th Masters International Masters Cup in Berlin Germany.

Brett Arnason, from Winnipeg, was the top overall skater for the Men 60 age class placing 1st in the 500m (43.52), 2nd in the 1500m (2:16.84), 3rd in the 3000m (4:56.80) and 4th in the 5000m (8:43.54) distances.

Randy Plett, also from Winnipeg, was on track for a high overall standing in the Men 45 group after placing 2nd in the 500m (41.32), 2nd in the 1500m (2:03.25) and 6th in the 3000m (4:25.71) distances. Unfortunately, Randy was DQ'd in the 5000m after missing a lane change with only 2 laps remaining and on track for a PB.

Congratulations Brett and Randy!

Complete results can be seen here.

MASTERS SPEED SKATING STORY

A video by Dave Clements, of the Quinte Blades Speed Skating Club, is one of 8 finalists in the ongoing Canada's Best Speed Skating Story contest. Dave's story provides a unique insight into what motivates masters to keep skating despite the aches and pains that might otherwise relegate us to the couch.

The entries of finalists can be viewed here. The first stage of voting concludes tomorrow on February 21, 2010.

Not only a master speed skater, Dave is also a hard-working volunteer as President of the Quinte Blades Club. Good luck Dave and the Quinte Blades!

MASTERS INTERNATIONAL AMERICAN OPEN

Seven Canadians, including 5 men and 2 women, were among 54 skaters from 10 nations who took part in the 1st Masters International American Open held during January 30-31, 2010 in the Utah Olympic Oval in Salt Lake City. The olympic-style long track event offered a choice of short all-round (500m, 1000m, 1500m, 3000m) and sprint (2x500m, 2x1000m) competitions.

This venue, a legacy of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, is arguably one of the 2 fastest ovals in the world resulting in 29 new IMSSC records and over 60 personal best times being set at this event. Brett Arnason (Winnipeg) was temporarily the holder of the Men's (60) 1000m record with a time of 1:25.01 only to see it broken again minutes later by American John Diemont with a time of 1:22.34. Remarkably, John lowered the record again the following day to 1:21.96.
The most inspirational performances of the weekend were delivered by Randy Plett (also of Winnipeg) who, only 8 months after serious injury in a cycling race, set numerous personal bests and high overall placements in the men's short all-round competition - 6th in 500m (40.96), 3rd in 1000m (1:19.34 - PR), 3rd in 1500m (2:02.82) and 6th in 3000m (4:23.39 - PR).
Other Canadian competitors included Ann Hanham (Burlington), Julie Houle (Saint John - PR's in 500m and 1000m), Daren Lind (Edmonton), Don Bumstead (Calgary) and Ross Hanham (Burlington).

Complete results can be seen here.
Many thanks to event organizers Andrew Love and Brian Boudreau as well as all of the many officials and volunteers for the event which included with a track-side lunch and awards ceremony which recognized all IMSSC records and personal bests.

Many thanks also to Eric and Kimberly Kraan who graciously hosted a post-event party and buffet at their beautiful home in the neighbouring mountain foothills.

Watch for the 2nd edition of this event which is hoped to be held 1 week before the Masters International Speed Skating Games planned for Calgary's Olympic Oval in 2011.

MASTERS INTERNATIONAL SPRINT GAMES

Many thanks to Anika Bedard for the following report:

Last weekend many skaters came to the Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee for the last of the three international meets of the season held in North America. A total of 18 women and 66 men from Canada, Finland, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Russia and USA competed in this sprint event.

Photo by Rene Therrien

Both racing days started very early at 8 o’clock with the U.S. anthem played by Olu-Olusegun Sijuwade, talented saxophonist and skater.

Photo by Steve Penland

Photo by Rene Therrien

With tail wind from the ventilation in the oval and an excellent ice, fast times were recorded throughout the weekend and many PBs and masters world records were broken.

Canadian skaters: Don Bumstead, Brett Arnason, Constant Montpellier

and Anika Bedard.
Photos by Steve Penland

Saturday evening, skaters and friends were invited to a friendly potluck dinner at Olu’s house. The evening was filled with skate talk, world cup videos and good food! To conclude the event, a banquet and victory ceremony was held Sunday evening in the beautiful ballroom in the Hilton Hotel where a fine dinner was served accompanied by beautiful music played by Olu.

Photo by Rene Therrien

Many thanks to the organizing committee and race officials for this well organised event that we all enjoyed!

To view the complete results.

To see more Steve Penland pictures.