The Banff/Canmore Speed Skating Club is trying to develop an annual short track race which attracts masters skaters from across Canada to compete against each other.
This year, the organizers will be running the competition in combination with the Banff/Canmore SSC's annual ability meet, but they would like to develop the race so that it would become a Masters-only event that is held at different locations around the country.
For further event information, see http://home.cogeco.ca/~mss/Masters%20Ice%20Racing%20Challenge.doc
Monday, September 25, 2006
Friday, September 22, 2006
MASTERS INTERNATIONAL SHORT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS
The West Allis Speedskating Club is hosting this event at the Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee Wisconsin during November 4 - 5, 2006. Additional event information and an entry form is now available.
Friday, September 15, 2006
JOURNEY OF SOUND & LIGHT
Ontario master speed skater, Kevin Frost, recently sent MSS News his own story of personal success...
At a young age he was very active and always on the go. Born in Victoria, B.C. in 1967, he moved with his family to Ottawa in 1972 to begin his life. Always athletic, Kevin played baseball from T-ball through to the Nepean Canadians, and in hockey he played novice through juvenile, he wanted to play Jr. B but he was too small. He also refereed hockey for 25 years, working over 20,000 games!!! He was a paper boy for seven years, cut grass and worked at outdoor rinks for four years. He also worked for a local grocery chain for 16 years. A job he loved very much.
When Kevin was 11-years-old, his math teacher mentioned to his parents that Kevin wasn’t listening well in class. Kevin learned at the age 11 that he had only 25 per cent of his hearing left. As a result, he taught himself to lip read at a young age. He continued going to school despite having to deal with teasing and bullying because of his disability. He attended Gloucester High School for his finals years of school.
When Kevin was 30-years-old, he began walking into walls, tripping over his kids, and his night vision was getting worse. Kevin was too busy being a workaholic to think anything was really wrong. Kevin got his eyes tested.
The doctor told Kevin the shocking news that he was suffering from Usher’s Syndrome. This diagnosis was not positive. The doctor told Kevin you lose your hearing at a young age and your vision later in life. The diagnosis meant losing his drivers licence, his job with the grocery chain and his job refereeing for safety reasons.....
So at 32-years-old Kevin Frost had hit a brick wall. He was left asking himself - what do I do for the now? Well with the help of CNIB, family and friends, he decided that he didn’t want to sit around and do nothing. Instead, he got involved with disability sports groups. He joined a blind dragon boat team called ‘Dragon Eyes’ and also did some tandem biking. That year his dragon boating team even finished first in their division against able bodied paddlers!
Then another great thing happened to Kevin, he got a guide dog name Nemo. With the help of this adorable Labrador retriever Kevin gained a great deal independence.
At 36-years-old, with five per cent vision and 10 per cent hearing, his wife got him back on blades to try something he always had a passion for...skating. However, this was not hockey skating, this time it was speed skating! After trying it for a year Kevin’s coach Ron Guerrard said, “Why don’t you compete against able bodied speed skaters?”
Fast forward two years and 120 races in short and long track later, and Kevin has won four gold, four silver, and seven bronze medals against able bodied skaters.
His future dreams include trying to make speed skating an official Paralympic event by making it a demonstration sport at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Next year Kevin will attend the World Masters Long Track Championships in Calgary. He hopes someday to travel the world competing in speed skating competitions.
Kevin’s other goals include educating schools, businesses, and the Ottawa Police on how to properly deal with deaf, blind, deaf-blind and guide dogs in everyday life. Kevin believes we all need to know how to deal with disabled people in our community.
Kevin believes he owes all his success in speed skating to his sponsors who have helped him get this far. Without them this wouldn’t have happened!!! When his journey is complete, Kevin plans on opening a foundation with the funds that remain in order to help other disabled athletes achieve their Olympic dreams.
If you would like more info on Kevin's journey go to http://www.deafblindspeedskater.com/
At a young age he was very active and always on the go. Born in Victoria, B.C. in 1967, he moved with his family to Ottawa in 1972 to begin his life. Always athletic, Kevin played baseball from T-ball through to the Nepean Canadians, and in hockey he played novice through juvenile, he wanted to play Jr. B but he was too small. He also refereed hockey for 25 years, working over 20,000 games!!! He was a paper boy for seven years, cut grass and worked at outdoor rinks for four years. He also worked for a local grocery chain for 16 years. A job he loved very much.
When Kevin was 11-years-old, his math teacher mentioned to his parents that Kevin wasn’t listening well in class. Kevin learned at the age 11 that he had only 25 per cent of his hearing left. As a result, he taught himself to lip read at a young age. He continued going to school despite having to deal with teasing and bullying because of his disability. He attended Gloucester High School for his finals years of school.
When Kevin was 30-years-old, he began walking into walls, tripping over his kids, and his night vision was getting worse. Kevin was too busy being a workaholic to think anything was really wrong. Kevin got his eyes tested.
The doctor told Kevin the shocking news that he was suffering from Usher’s Syndrome. This diagnosis was not positive. The doctor told Kevin you lose your hearing at a young age and your vision later in life. The diagnosis meant losing his drivers licence, his job with the grocery chain and his job refereeing for safety reasons.....
So at 32-years-old Kevin Frost had hit a brick wall. He was left asking himself - what do I do for the now? Well with the help of CNIB, family and friends, he decided that he didn’t want to sit around and do nothing. Instead, he got involved with disability sports groups. He joined a blind dragon boat team called ‘Dragon Eyes’ and also did some tandem biking. That year his dragon boating team even finished first in their division against able bodied paddlers!
Then another great thing happened to Kevin, he got a guide dog name Nemo. With the help of this adorable Labrador retriever Kevin gained a great deal independence.
At 36-years-old, with five per cent vision and 10 per cent hearing, his wife got him back on blades to try something he always had a passion for...skating. However, this was not hockey skating, this time it was speed skating! After trying it for a year Kevin’s coach Ron Guerrard said, “Why don’t you compete against able bodied speed skaters?”
Fast forward two years and 120 races in short and long track later, and Kevin has won four gold, four silver, and seven bronze medals against able bodied skaters.
His future dreams include trying to make speed skating an official Paralympic event by making it a demonstration sport at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Next year Kevin will attend the World Masters Long Track Championships in Calgary. He hopes someday to travel the world competing in speed skating competitions.
Kevin’s other goals include educating schools, businesses, and the Ottawa Police on how to properly deal with deaf, blind, deaf-blind and guide dogs in everyday life. Kevin believes we all need to know how to deal with disabled people in our community.
Kevin believes he owes all his success in speed skating to his sponsors who have helped him get this far. Without them this wouldn’t have happened!!! When his journey is complete, Kevin plans on opening a foundation with the funds that remain in order to help other disabled athletes achieve their Olympic dreams.
If you would like more info on Kevin's journey go to http://www.deafblindspeedskater.com/
DREAM BIG DINNER
The Ontario Speed Skating Oval is organizing a cocktail reception and dinner for Thursday, November 2, 2006 at the Evinrude Centre in Peterborough Ontario. The event, which starts at 6:00 pm, will give participants the opportunity to meet olympic champion and world record holder Catriona Le May Doan - the fastest woman on ice.
For event details and ticket information - see http://home.cogeco.ca/~mss/DreamBigDinner.doc
For more information about the Ontario Oval project - see http://www.ontariospeedskatingoval.com/
For event details and ticket information - see http://home.cogeco.ca/~mss/DreamBigDinner.doc
For more information about the Ontario Oval project - see http://www.ontariospeedskatingoval.com/
Saturday, September 09, 2006
IMSSC CALGARY GAMES - CANADA/USA PARTICIPANTS
In the recent post re: IMSSC Calgary Games Schedule Change, I incorrectly reported the number of entries allocated to Canadian and USA skaters. The article should have stated that the quota for Canadian skaters is 91 and the quota for USA skaters is 50.
See Item 3 at http://www.imssg.org/MIS061%20Minutes%2024th%20Session%20IMSSC%20Helsinki%20FIN%2004-49.pdf
My apologies for any confusion this error may have created.
See Item 3 at http://www.imssg.org/MIS061%20Minutes%2024th%20Session%20IMSSC%20Helsinki%20FIN%2004-49.pdf
My apologies for any confusion this error may have created.
Friday, September 08, 2006
IMSSC CALGARY GAMES SCHEDULE CHANGE
The International Masters Speed Skating Group (IMSSG) website has recently posted a change in the schedule for the 16th International Masters Speed Skating Games now scheduled for Thursday February 22 to Sunday February 25, 2007 in Calgary's Olympic Oval. One day of competition has been added in order to accommodate the higher than usual number of entries expected for this event. See http://www.imssg.org/05LNIG-060616-Latest-News-IMSSG-05-46.htm
Canada-USA entries appear to be limited to 89 skaters according to International Masters Speed Skating News http://isssc.kolappus.nl/imssc.html
According to the IMSSG website, entry forms will be available at the websites of the International Masters Speed Skating Committee (http://www.imssc.org/) and the International Masters Speed Skating Group (http://www.imssg.org/) sometime in October.
Canada-USA entries appear to be limited to 89 skaters according to International Masters Speed Skating News http://isssc.kolappus.nl/imssc.html
According to the IMSSG website, entry forms will be available at the websites of the International Masters Speed Skating Committee (http://www.imssc.org/) and the International Masters Speed Skating Group (http://www.imssg.org/) sometime in October.
Monday, August 28, 2006
UNOFFICIAL RECORD TIMES FOR LYNN SUGDEN
In the Olympic Oval Summer Classic held August 11 to 13 in Calgary, Lynn Sugden of Edmonton skated times which appear to be faster than the current official records for Master Men 3 (50-59) in Canadian Olympic Style Long Track as follows:
- 500m: 42.48
- 1000m: 1:25.04
- 3000m: 4:47.65
The current records, held by Ronald Johnston of Calgary, have stood since 1999 (500m & 1000m) and 1995 (3000m).
Complete meet results can be seen at
http://www.oval.ucalgary.ca/Long_Track.asp
Congratulations Lynn !
- 500m: 42.48
- 1000m: 1:25.04
- 3000m: 4:47.65
The current records, held by Ronald Johnston of Calgary, have stood since 1999 (500m & 1000m) and 1995 (3000m).
Complete meet results can be seen at
http://www.oval.ucalgary.ca/Long_Track.asp
Congratulations Lynn !
Saturday, August 19, 2006
MASTERS EVENTS 2006-07
Although 2006-07 calendars of events have not yet been posted on the websites of Speed Skating Canada (SSC), the Ontario Speed Skating Association (OSSA) or the Federation de patinage de Vitesse du Quebec (FPVQ), some information is emerging about competitions that may be of interest to Canadian and American masters skaters.
Refer to http://home.cogeco.ca/~mss/2006-07Events.doc for a summary of information and links currently available from the International Speed Skating Union (ISU), the International Masters Speed Skating Group (IMSSG) and the Cambridge Ontario Speed Skating Club (CSSC).
It's great to see a specific category for masters events on the ISU Calendar.
OSSA Regional Ability Short Track Meets include all age groups and have been historically open to masters skaters.
According to the 2006 Report from the OSSA VP Technical Programs Administration, consideration is being given to changing the North American Long Track Championships (which includes masters categories) to an olympic-style format.
According to SSC Rule K3-101, the Canadian Masters Olympic Style Championships are to be combined with Canada Cup #3. If this rule is followed, this event will be in Ste. Foy, QC for the 2nd year in a row. While this location may be attractive to eastern Canadian master skaters, it would help to make this a truly national event if the location rotated annually between a western Canadian and eastern Canadian venue. Last year's event was also poorly advertised by SSC which may have contributed to the fairly low turnout - 16 men and 3 women. Canadian masters skaters who would like to promote the growth of this event may wish to contact SSC through their local club or provincial association.
If you know of other events that may be of interest to master speed skaters, send the information and we'll add it to our 2006-07 Calendar.
Refer to http://home.cogeco.ca/~mss/2006-07Events.doc for a summary of information and links currently available from the International Speed Skating Union (ISU), the International Masters Speed Skating Group (IMSSG) and the Cambridge Ontario Speed Skating Club (CSSC).
It's great to see a specific category for masters events on the ISU Calendar.
OSSA Regional Ability Short Track Meets include all age groups and have been historically open to masters skaters.
According to the 2006 Report from the OSSA VP Technical Programs Administration, consideration is being given to changing the North American Long Track Championships (which includes masters categories) to an olympic-style format.
According to SSC Rule K3-101, the Canadian Masters Olympic Style Championships are to be combined with Canada Cup #3. If this rule is followed, this event will be in Ste. Foy, QC for the 2nd year in a row. While this location may be attractive to eastern Canadian master skaters, it would help to make this a truly national event if the location rotated annually between a western Canadian and eastern Canadian venue. Last year's event was also poorly advertised by SSC which may have contributed to the fairly low turnout - 16 men and 3 women. Canadian masters skaters who would like to promote the growth of this event may wish to contact SSC through their local club or provincial association.
If you know of other events that may be of interest to master speed skaters, send the information and we'll add it to our 2006-07 Calendar.
Friday, July 21, 2006
OLYMPIC OVAL MASTERS CAMP 2006
During July 10 to 14, forty-four participants converged on Calgary’s Olympic Oval for the 2006 edition of the masters speed skating camp. Canadian skaters came from many provinces including Québec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia while USA campers arrived from Pennsylvania and New York.
Skaters included IMSSC world champion and Canadian and North American record holder Eugene Kurmey (Men 75+) from Winnipeg, as well as Canadian record holder Mickey Kupchyk (men 50-59) from Regina, and Canadian and North American record holders Agatha Van Der Starre (women 70+), Peter Blokker (men 70+) and Gary Link (men 60-69), and Canadian record holder Diane Silzer (Women 40-49) - all from British Columbia.
The 5-day program
began with a refresher in the essentials of basic position, edge control and weight transfer; and progressed through straight-away and cornering drills to starts. These technical drills were interspersed with plenty of multi-lap intervals permitting skaters to apply both techniques and coaching advice. The week culminated with timed 400m laps and tempo skating both to prepare and seed competitors for the optional mass start races held the following Saturday morning.
Each of the 2 daily on-ice sessions was preceded by, both indoor and outdoor, dry-land warm-ups involving jogging, calisthenics and dynamic stretching. Non-runners were afforded use of the Oval’s numerous stationary bicycles, which were also available for day-end warm-down.
On-ice and dry-land coa
ching was led by current and former national team skaters, Neal Zaluski, Selina Elm and Beth Whitmee with assistance from Kyle Parrot, Mark Wild, national team coach Neal Marshall and olympian Kevin Crockett.Mid-day seminars covered a variety of subjects including an ask-and-answer session with national team long track equipment guru Alex Moritz and presentations by national junior team coach Todd McClements on decision-based training, mental preparation and recovery.
Many participants too
k advantage of available University of Calgary conference housing while others camped on the campus and made use of the shower facilities in the athletics centre. Weather conditions were near ideal with mostly warm sunny days, low humidity and relatively little rain.
There was much interest in the upcoming international masters speed skating championships scheduled for February 23 to 25, 2007 at the Calgary Olympic Oval where over 300 competitors from over 10 nations are expected to attend. For some, this camp was part of a preparation plan leading up to that competition.
For photos, see http://home.cogeco.ca/~mss/OvalMastersCamp2006/index.html
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
MASTERS CANADIAN RECORDS - CORRECTIONS
Speed Skating Canada recently made corrections to its May 16, 2006 update of records achieved during the 2005-06 season.
Congratulations to Mickey Kupchyk of Regina who set a new indoor olympic style long track 1500m time for Masters 3 Men of 2:12.86 at the Calgary Olympic Oval Finale on March 23, 2006. For the full story on Mickey's experience at this event, see http://mastersspeedskatingnews.blogspot.com/2006/06/calgary-olympic-oval-finale-2006.html
Masters 3 Men indoor olympic style long track records for 1000m and 3000m, set by Ronald Johnston of Calgary in 1999 and 1995 respectively, remain unbroken.
Congratulations to Mickey Kupchyk of Regina who set a new indoor olympic style long track 1500m time for Masters 3 Men of 2:12.86 at the Calgary Olympic Oval Finale on March 23, 2006. For the full story on Mickey's experience at this event, see http://mastersspeedskatingnews.blogspot.com/2006/06/calgary-olympic-oval-finale-2006.html
Masters 3 Men indoor olympic style long track records for 1000m and 3000m, set by Ronald Johnston of Calgary in 1999 and 1995 respectively, remain unbroken.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
SPEED SKATING NEWS NOW ALSO IN FRENCH
A french version of Master Speedskating News is now on line at http://patinagedevitessemaitre.blogspot.com/
LA PAGE DES PATINEURS MAÎTRES MAINTENANT EN LIGNE
La version française de Master Speedskating News est maintenant en ligne à http://patinagedevitessemaitre.blogspot.com/
LA PAGE DES PATINEURS MAÎTRES MAINTENANT EN LIGNE
La version française de Master Speedskating News est maintenant en ligne à http://patinagedevitessemaitre.blogspot.com/
Saturday, July 01, 2006
INTERNATIONAL MASTERS SHORT TRACK COMPETITION - MILWAUKEE 2006
The West Allis Speed Skating Club is considering incorporating an International Masters Short Track Competition as part of the Great Lakes Short Track Championships to be held in Milwaukee during November 4 to 5, 2006.
Preliminary plans, subject to interest, would be for 10 year age groups including 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70+. The masters competition would include heats and finals in 4 shorter distances and a super-final in the longest distance. The Club is looking at using the Masters' International medallion as the award for first through third, and are trying to negogiate a fourth place medallion.
As the International Masters Speed Skating Committee only focuses on international long track competition, this is a great opportunity for masters skaters with preference for the indoor 111m oval and the excitement of short track.
The Club needs to assess interest in order to confirm the feasibility of this meet. For further information and to express your interest, please contact:
Al Jakubowski - ajjskate@core.com
or Alice Hagen - alice_hagen@hotmail.com
Preliminary plans, subject to interest, would be for 10 year age groups including 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70+. The masters competition would include heats and finals in 4 shorter distances and a super-final in the longest distance. The Club is looking at using the Masters' International medallion as the award for first through third, and are trying to negogiate a fourth place medallion.
As the International Masters Speed Skating Committee only focuses on international long track competition, this is a great opportunity for masters skaters with preference for the indoor 111m oval and the excitement of short track.
The Club needs to assess interest in order to confirm the feasibility of this meet. For further information and to express your interest, please contact:
Al Jakubowski - ajjskate@core.com
or Alice Hagen - alice_hagen@hotmail.com
Thursday, June 15, 2006
MASTERS SPEED SKATING NEWS GOES ON-LINE
Many past issues of Masters Speed Skating News have now been posted to:
http://mastersspeedskatingnews.blogspot.com/
as will some future editions.
The comment feature will make this newsletter more interactive. Simply click on the COMMENT button, select "Other" as your identity, enter your name and send your message.
We look forward to hearing from you and enjoy reading!
Sunday, June 11, 2006
MASTERS CANADIAN & NORTH AMERICAN RECORDS
Speed Skating Canada recently published updated records achieved during the 2005-06 season.
Congratulations to the following masters skaters who set new standards:
Agatha Van Der Starre (Burnaby) (Women 70+)
Canadian Short Track
- 1500m: 3:59.18 (Esquimalt - Mar 13/06)
North American Short Track
- 500m: 1:18.20 (Kamloops - Mar 25/06)
- 777m: 2:05.51 (Kamloops - Mar 26/06)
- 1000m: 2:41.67 (Kamloops - Mar 24/06)
- 1500m: 4:26.88 (Kamloops - Mar 2606)
Judy Van Hyfte (Red Deer) (Women 50-59)
Canadian Indoor Long Track Mass Start
- 1500m: 2:36.42 (Calgary - Jan 14/06)
Canadian Short Track
- 1000m: 1:58.02 (Red Deer - Nov 19/05)
Jan Zurcher (Direct) (Women 50-59)
North American Indoor Long Track Mass Start
- 500m: 48.90 (Salt Lake City - Jan 29/06)
- 800m: 1:19.59 (Salt Lake City - Jan 28/06)
- 1000m: 1:42.19 (Salt Lake City - Jan 28/06)
Kaari Cox (GMSA) (Women 40-49)
North American Indoor Long Track Mass Start
- 1000m: 1:36.87 (Salt Lake City - Jan 28/06)
- 1500m: 2:29.08 (Salt Lake City - Jan 28/06)
- 3000m: 4:59.32(Salt Lake City - Jan 29/06)
Patricia Tank (Michigan) (Women 30-39)
North American Indoor Long Track Mass Start
- 1000m: 1:39.28 (Salt Lake City - Jan 29/06)
- 1500m: 2:36.32 (Salt Lake City - Jan 29/06)
- 3000m: 5:17.19 (Salt Lake City - Jan 28/06)
Peter Blokker (BC) (Men 70+)
North American Short Track
- 500m: 1:10.22 (Kamloops - Mar 25/06)
- 777m: 1:47.54 (Kamloops - Mar 26/06)
- 1000m: 2:20.85 (Kamloops - Mar 24/06)
- 1500m: 3:32.91 (Kamloops - Mar 2606)
Gary Link (Vernon) (Men 60-69)
Canadian Indoor Long Track Mass Start
- 3000m: 5:29.97 (Calgary - Jan 15/06)
Canadian Short Track
- 1500m: 2:50.75 (Fort St. John - Mar 12/06)
North American Short Track
- 500m: 54.45 (Kamloops - Mar 25/06)
- 777m: 1:26.17 (Kamloops - Mar 26/06)
Bob Irvine (Calgary) (Men 50-59)
Canadian Outdoor Long Track Mass Start
- 500m: 43.74 (Red Deer - Jan 22/06)
- 1000m: 1:30.74 (Red Deer - Jan 21/06)
Canadian Indoor Long Track Mass Start
- 500m: 42.51 (Calgary - Jan 14/06)
- 1000m: 1:25.63 (Calgary - Jan 15/06)
- 1500m: 2:08.67 (Calgary - Jan 14/06)
Brian Johnston (Edmonton) (Men 50-59)
Canadian Outdoor Long Track Mass Start
- 1500m: 2:19.95 (Red Deer - Jan 21/06)
Canadian Indoor Long Track Mass Start
- 3000m: 4:39.17 (Calgary - Jan 15/06)
Boris Leikin (Direct) (Men 50-59)
North American Indoor Long Track Mass Start
- 500m: 39.38 (Salt Lake City - Jan 29/06)
- 800m: 1:02.55 (Salt Lake City - Jan 28/06)
- 1000m: 1:20.11 (Salt Lake City - Jan 28/06)
- 1500m: 2:10.75 (Salt Lake City - Jan 29/06)
Al Overend (Calgary) (Men 50-59)
Canadian Short Track
- 500m: 50.40 (Medicine Hat - Mar 4/06)
- 777m: 1:21.04 (Red Deer - Nov 20/05)
- 1000m: 1:46.92 (Calgary - Feb 19/06)
Lynn Sugden (Edmonton) (Men 50-59)
Canadian Indoor Olympic-Style Long Track
- 1000m: 1:24.18 (Calgary - Jan 8/06)
- 1500m: 2:11.84 (Calgary - Jan 7/06)
- 3000m: 4:44.35 (Calgary - Nov 26/05)
Blaine Hill (Alberta) (Men 40-49)
North American Short Track
- 777m: 1:17.97 (Kamloops - Mar 26/06)
Brad Hudey (Regina) (Men 40-49)
Canadian Indoor Olympic-Style Long Track
- 500m: 40.10 (Calgary - Jan 7/06)
- 1000m: 1:17.48 (Calgary - Jan 6/06)
Drew Schemmer (Calgary) (Men 40-49)
Canadian Indoor Olympic-Style Long Track
- 1500m: 1:57.97 (Calgary - Mar 22/06)
Stuart Black (Calgary) (Men 30-39)
Canadian Indoor Long Track Mass Start
- 1500m: 2:08.30 (Calgary - Jan 14/06)
Andrew Love (N. New York) (Men 30-39)
North American Indoor Long Track Mass Start
- 500m: 37.46 (Salt Lake City - Jan 29/06)
For all other current records, see:
Congratulations to the following masters skaters who set new standards:
Agatha Van Der Starre (Burnaby) (Women 70+)
Canadian Short Track
- 1500m: 3:59.18 (Esquimalt - Mar 13/06)
North American Short Track
- 500m: 1:18.20 (Kamloops - Mar 25/06)
- 777m: 2:05.51 (Kamloops - Mar 26/06)
- 1000m: 2:41.67 (Kamloops - Mar 24/06)
- 1500m: 4:26.88 (Kamloops - Mar 2606)
Judy Van Hyfte (Red Deer) (Women 50-59)
Canadian Indoor Long Track Mass Start
- 1500m: 2:36.42 (Calgary - Jan 14/06)
Canadian Short Track
- 1000m: 1:58.02 (Red Deer - Nov 19/05)
Jan Zurcher (Direct) (Women 50-59)
North American Indoor Long Track Mass Start
- 500m: 48.90 (Salt Lake City - Jan 29/06)
- 800m: 1:19.59 (Salt Lake City - Jan 28/06)
- 1000m: 1:42.19 (Salt Lake City - Jan 28/06)
Kaari Cox (GMSA) (Women 40-49)
North American Indoor Long Track Mass Start
- 1000m: 1:36.87 (Salt Lake City - Jan 28/06)
- 1500m: 2:29.08 (Salt Lake City - Jan 28/06)
- 3000m: 4:59.32(Salt Lake City - Jan 29/06)
Patricia Tank (Michigan) (Women 30-39)
North American Indoor Long Track Mass Start
- 1000m: 1:39.28 (Salt Lake City - Jan 29/06)
- 1500m: 2:36.32 (Salt Lake City - Jan 29/06)
- 3000m: 5:17.19 (Salt Lake City - Jan 28/06)
Peter Blokker (BC) (Men 70+)
North American Short Track
- 500m: 1:10.22 (Kamloops - Mar 25/06)
- 777m: 1:47.54 (Kamloops - Mar 26/06)
- 1000m: 2:20.85 (Kamloops - Mar 24/06)
- 1500m: 3:32.91 (Kamloops - Mar 2606)
Gary Link (Vernon) (Men 60-69)
Canadian Indoor Long Track Mass Start
- 3000m: 5:29.97 (Calgary - Jan 15/06)
Canadian Short Track
- 1500m: 2:50.75 (Fort St. John - Mar 12/06)
North American Short Track
- 500m: 54.45 (Kamloops - Mar 25/06)
- 777m: 1:26.17 (Kamloops - Mar 26/06)
Bob Irvine (Calgary) (Men 50-59)
Canadian Outdoor Long Track Mass Start
- 500m: 43.74 (Red Deer - Jan 22/06)
- 1000m: 1:30.74 (Red Deer - Jan 21/06)
Canadian Indoor Long Track Mass Start
- 500m: 42.51 (Calgary - Jan 14/06)
- 1000m: 1:25.63 (Calgary - Jan 15/06)
- 1500m: 2:08.67 (Calgary - Jan 14/06)
Brian Johnston (Edmonton) (Men 50-59)
Canadian Outdoor Long Track Mass Start
- 1500m: 2:19.95 (Red Deer - Jan 21/06)
Canadian Indoor Long Track Mass Start
- 3000m: 4:39.17 (Calgary - Jan 15/06)
Boris Leikin (Direct) (Men 50-59)
North American Indoor Long Track Mass Start
- 500m: 39.38 (Salt Lake City - Jan 29/06)
- 800m: 1:02.55 (Salt Lake City - Jan 28/06)
- 1000m: 1:20.11 (Salt Lake City - Jan 28/06)
- 1500m: 2:10.75 (Salt Lake City - Jan 29/06)
Al Overend (Calgary) (Men 50-59)
Canadian Short Track
- 500m: 50.40 (Medicine Hat - Mar 4/06)
- 777m: 1:21.04 (Red Deer - Nov 20/05)
- 1000m: 1:46.92 (Calgary - Feb 19/06)
Lynn Sugden (Edmonton) (Men 50-59)
Canadian Indoor Olympic-Style Long Track
- 1000m: 1:24.18 (Calgary - Jan 8/06)
- 1500m: 2:11.84 (Calgary - Jan 7/06)
- 3000m: 4:44.35 (Calgary - Nov 26/05)
Blaine Hill (Alberta) (Men 40-49)
North American Short Track
- 777m: 1:17.97 (Kamloops - Mar 26/06)
Brad Hudey (Regina) (Men 40-49)
Canadian Indoor Olympic-Style Long Track
- 500m: 40.10 (Calgary - Jan 7/06)
- 1000m: 1:17.48 (Calgary - Jan 6/06)
Drew Schemmer (Calgary) (Men 40-49)
Canadian Indoor Olympic-Style Long Track
- 1500m: 1:57.97 (Calgary - Mar 22/06)
Stuart Black (Calgary) (Men 30-39)
Canadian Indoor Long Track Mass Start
- 1500m: 2:08.30 (Calgary - Jan 14/06)
Andrew Love (N. New York) (Men 30-39)
North American Indoor Long Track Mass Start
- 500m: 37.46 (Salt Lake City - Jan 29/06)
For all other current records, see:
http://www.speedskating.ca/eng/records/index.htm
Congratulations, as well, to all other masters speed skaters who set personal bests and club, provincial and unofficial records last season.
Congratulations, as well, to all other masters speed skaters who set personal bests and club, provincial and unofficial records last season.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
INTEREST BUILDS IN CALGARY IMSSC GAMES
Based on communications to date from interested masters skaters, Brett Arnason reports the following estimated level of Canadian interest in the 16th Masters International Speed Skating Games scheduled for the Calgary Olympic Oval during February 23 to 25, 2007:
Manitoba - 8
Saskatchewan - 7
Alberta - 28
British Columbia - 10
Ontario - 10
Quebec - 10
Maritimes - 10
This is the best opportunity for Canadians to participate in this premier masters speed skating event which will return to Europe in 2008 at Erfurt Germany. To assist meet organizers to assess interest, please advise Brett Arnason (brett@arnasons.ca) if you're planning to attend. Responses before Brett reports to the next IMSSC meeting in the Netherlands on May 27 would be appreciated.
Manitoba - 8
Saskatchewan - 7
Alberta - 28
British Columbia - 10
Ontario - 10
Quebec - 10
Maritimes - 10
This is the best opportunity for Canadians to participate in this premier masters speed skating event which will return to Europe in 2008 at Erfurt Germany. To assist meet organizers to assess interest, please advise Brett Arnason (brett@arnasons.ca) if you're planning to attend. Responses before Brett reports to the next IMSSC meeting in the Netherlands on May 27 would be appreciated.
GAETAN ROCHETTE RETIRES AS CANADIAN REPRESENTATIVE TO IMSSC
After more than 10 years of voluntary service to the Canadian masters speed skating community, Gaétan Rochette of Québec City has announced he is stepping down as the Canadian representative to the International Masters Speed Skating Committee.
Having held this position since 1995, Gaétan was also the IMSSC's Statistician and a member of the ISU Master's Speed Skating Group for North America. In addition to being the international voice for Canadian masters speed skating, Gaétan also co-organized two International Masters Speed Skating Games in 1996 and 2001, both in Québec City.
In recent years, Gaétan has become more involved in marathon speed skating and now continues to serve as a volunteer with Marathon Skating International. He hopes he will have more personal time to devote to actual speed skating in the coming years. Gaétan is also continuing to help organize masters speed skaters within the Province of Québec.
Gaétan wishes to acknowledge the contributions of many others involved in the masters speed skating community including Pierre Gagné, also of Québec City, who has been working for skaters for the last 50 years. Gaétan is looking forward to seeing many masters speed skaters in Calgary next February.
Since Gaétan's retirement, Brett Arnason of Winnipeg has been appointed interim Canadian representative to the IMSSC. Brett represented Canada at the 22nd and 24th sessions of the IMSSC in Baslega de Piné and Helsinki respectively, where he also was a competitor in the 55-59 year division. In addition to organizing masters speed skaters in Manitoba, Brett is now preparing to attend the upcoming 25th IMSSC session in Haarlem NED on May 27.
I hope all Canadian masters speed skaters will join in supporting Brett as he carries on the fine work that Gaétan performed.
Having held this position since 1995, Gaétan was also the IMSSC's Statistician and a member of the ISU Master's Speed Skating Group for North America. In addition to being the international voice for Canadian masters speed skating, Gaétan also co-organized two International Masters Speed Skating Games in 1996 and 2001, both in Québec City.
In recent years, Gaétan has become more involved in marathon speed skating and now continues to serve as a volunteer with Marathon Skating International. He hopes he will have more personal time to devote to actual speed skating in the coming years. Gaétan is also continuing to help organize masters speed skaters within the Province of Québec.
Gaétan wishes to acknowledge the contributions of many others involved in the masters speed skating community including Pierre Gagné, also of Québec City, who has been working for skaters for the last 50 years. Gaétan is looking forward to seeing many masters speed skaters in Calgary next February.
Since Gaétan's retirement, Brett Arnason of Winnipeg has been appointed interim Canadian representative to the IMSSC. Brett represented Canada at the 22nd and 24th sessions of the IMSSC in Baslega de Piné and Helsinki respectively, where he also was a competitor in the 55-59 year division. In addition to organizing masters speed skaters in Manitoba, Brett is now preparing to attend the upcoming 25th IMSSC session in Haarlem NED on May 27.
I hope all Canadian masters speed skaters will join in supporting Brett as he carries on the fine work that Gaétan performed.
CALGARY OLYMPIC OVAL MASTERS SPEED SKATING CAMP
This camp is an excellent opportunity for masters skaters of all ages and abilities to receive great long track coaching in the truly inspirational environment of the fastest ice on earth.
Last year's camp offered 2 ice sessions per day - each one preceded by a high quality dryland warm-up both inside and outdoors. Every mid-day, there was a seminar on various subjects including equipment, nutrition, mental preparation and coaching theory.
Instruction last summer was provided in roughly a 1:13 (coach:skater) ratio resulting in plenty of one-on-one contact with the 3 full-time coaches - Neal, Marcin and Andrea. Guest coaches included Olympic speed skaters Kevin (Overland) Crockett and Denny Morrison.
The on-ice program was largely technical with some interval training and plenty of opportunity to freely skate and apply the coaches' instructions.
There was great camaraderie, both on and off the ice, amongst the various participants who came from many parts of Canada and the USA.
When off the ice for warm-up or cool-down, there was lots of opportunity to watch the national teams of several countries training on the oval. More than one master skater came home with autographs from famous Canadian Olympians including Catriona Lemay Doan, Cindy Klassen and Jeremy Wotherspoon.
This year's camp runs from July 10th to 15th. Complete information and registration form is available at http://www.oval.ucalgary.ca/Camps/Camps2006/masters_ss.pdf
Last year's camp offered 2 ice sessions per day - each one preceded by a high quality dryland warm-up both inside and outdoors. Every mid-day, there was a seminar on various subjects including equipment, nutrition, mental preparation and coaching theory.
Instruction last summer was provided in roughly a 1:13 (coach:skater) ratio resulting in plenty of one-on-one contact with the 3 full-time coaches - Neal, Marcin and Andrea. Guest coaches included Olympic speed skaters Kevin (Overland) Crockett and Denny Morrison.
The on-ice program was largely technical with some interval training and plenty of opportunity to freely skate and apply the coaches' instructions.
There was great camaraderie, both on and off the ice, amongst the various participants who came from many parts of Canada and the USA.
When off the ice for warm-up or cool-down, there was lots of opportunity to watch the national teams of several countries training on the oval. More than one master skater came home with autographs from famous Canadian Olympians including Catriona Lemay Doan, Cindy Klassen and Jeremy Wotherspoon.
This year's camp runs from July 10th to 15th. Complete information and registration form is available at http://www.oval.ucalgary.ca/Camps/Camps2006/masters_ss.pdf
BRITISH COLUMBIA MASTERS REPORT
The following reports were gratefully received from Mike Hagen of the Burnaby Haida Speed Skating Club. Mike advises there about 14 masters skaters in this club, which he believes makes it one of the largest masters groups in the province.
At the British Columbia short track championships held in Fort St. John during March 11 to 12, the competiton included 9 masters skaters who appear to have broken several provincial records during the meet. Rick Lee, of Fort St. John, set a new 500m Masters 2 Men's record (40-49) of 51.20 sec. Gary Link, of Vernon, also appears to have set several Masters 4 Men's records (60-69) in the 500m (54.37 sec), 777m (1:25.07) and 1000m (1:52.40). Gary's records are curious, however, as he holds faster Canadian masters records in these same distances - 500m (52.81), 777m (1:23.93) and 1000m (1:48.28) all set in Medicine Hat in 2005.
Complete meet results can be seen at http://home.cogeco.ca/~mss/BCST%202006%20Masters.xls
Mike also reports that, at the BC long track championships in January, Ross Knudson of the Mackenzie Speed Skating Club set a new national Masters 3 Men's record (50-59) with a time of 1:34.88 in the 1000m outdoor mass start. Ross, who also apparently set a new provincial record in the 500m, got a good pull from other Masters 2 skaters in the 1000m pack including Rick Lee (1:32.56), Trevor Nelson (1:32.86) and Lyle Dickenson of Prince George (1:33.39).
At the British Columbia short track championships held in Fort St. John during March 11 to 12, the competiton included 9 masters skaters who appear to have broken several provincial records during the meet. Rick Lee, of Fort St. John, set a new 500m Masters 2 Men's record (40-49) of 51.20 sec. Gary Link, of Vernon, also appears to have set several Masters 4 Men's records (60-69) in the 500m (54.37 sec), 777m (1:25.07) and 1000m (1:52.40). Gary's records are curious, however, as he holds faster Canadian masters records in these same distances - 500m (52.81), 777m (1:23.93) and 1000m (1:48.28) all set in Medicine Hat in 2005.
Complete meet results can be seen at http://home.cogeco.ca/~mss/BCST%202006%20Masters.xls
Mike also reports that, at the BC long track championships in January, Ross Knudson of the Mackenzie Speed Skating Club set a new national Masters 3 Men's record (50-59) with a time of 1:34.88 in the 1000m outdoor mass start. Ross, who also apparently set a new provincial record in the 500m, got a good pull from other Masters 2 skaters in the 1000m pack including Rick Lee (1:32.56), Trevor Nelson (1:32.86) and Lyle Dickenson of Prince George (1:33.39).
CALGARY OLYMPIC OVAL FINALE 2006 - ALAIN MEILLEUR'S STORY
Over 300 skaters from more than 10 nations took part in the Oval Finale in Calgary during March 21 to 25. Alain Meilleur of Montreal, Quebec was among the many masters competitors and sent his personal report as follows.
First evening in Calgary on a cloudy and humid day, it seems that I have been waiting forever to skate. At 6:30 pm it is finally time to go to the oval. Some stress, some anxiety and when I finally get there WOW! What a sight. Approximately 150 skaters from different countries are speeding around on the ice (many junior skaters), I am very impressed. I take my time to embrace all this and slowly walk to the underground passage to go to the center of the oval. I finally get on the famous ice: "The fastest ice on earth" and after just a few strides and with the vortex created by the other skaters, it glides perfectly. I speed up and it gives me the sensation as if the blades were glued to the ice but in fact they were cutting perfectly. But, the effects of the altitude and dry air told me to restrain myself. I was happy to skate in the warm-up lane, just inches away from some crazy skaters skating 30 seconds laps. After a good hour of pure delight, it was time to get off the ice to let the zamboni on.
Next day, I watched the last races of the world cup the whole afternoon. Another pure delight. What is there more to say about the races, the atmosphere in the oval created by the crowd, many coming from the Netherlands, Norway and as well as locals. Cindy was great but my favorite was Martina Sablikova, from the Czech Republic who finished second in the 5000m. Why? Simply because she was able to have only 6 strides on the straights and 12 to 14 cross-over. Superb.
Monday, I trained in the morning and afternoon with Martine Charbonneau. Still very excited, I could not leave the ice, which resulted in a higher heart rate at bedtime. Instead of the normal 60, I had 85 and the next day still at 80 for my first 500m race. As usual, like all other 500m I have done before, I am feeling slightly nervous. I get ready, warm up and start the race like an old wet broom. After 250m, I regain my composure and finish strong with a 45,90sec. Not too bad. My best time was 48,35sec but my race could be classified as a nightmare.
After this first race and some rest, I prepare myself for the 3000m race in the afternoon. More relaxed and confident, I concentrate on the technical aspects and aim to lower my previous time of 5:15 min to 4:40 - 4:45 min. My start is slightly slow but good. It glides without much effort. At the finish line, I look up at the clock and see 4:40, but since we started in quartette I thought it could not be me… But, yes it was my time! Is it possible? And yes, nothing extraordinary but how gratifying.
Next day, a short 1500m, my favorite distance. I start confident from my previous race, Good start, good cross-over, everything goes well and this time I see 2:12 min. My previous PB had been forever at 2:29. During the evening, I start to think. Mind you this is something that happens sometimes in life… I think about the 5000m race and since I like to calculate, I started calculating. Before getting to Calgary, I was aiming to do below 9 minutes, between 8:30 to 8:40. I noticed that if I do laps slower than for the 3000m, I might be able to have a time below 8 minutes. In my head, this all seems now possible. For the first time in my life, I decided to slowly polish my blades. In the morning, I asked Martine to show me the lap times with the coach’s typical board. The start is given and I start quickly. I decide then to slow down slightly to maintain my pace. Martine shows me the times, it all looks good. I see 38sec and I kick myself in the butt to keep my objective. Two laps to go and it was in the bag because I still had some energy left in me. Final time: 7:52,71. Wow, I broke my previous PB by 71 seconds. After the race, Gaston was there with me to share my happiness and then Martine.
The simple advice that I want to give you when you skate in Calgary: Believe in yourself and the ice will help you.
Next trip in Calgary is planned for October and of course at the end of February at the World Masters. I would like also say hi to my friends from the Netherlands, some of whom have over 30-40 years of experience in skating, one of them being Victor van den Hoff. To see them skate gave me an objective for the next World Masters. Finally, a sweet thought for the greatest Canadian female sprint skater, Catriona Lemay-Doan. She was there almost every day, very accessible, very charming and she gave me advice in French for a good 500m.
Get ready for next year, here I come.
- Alain Goode Meilleur
English translation by Anika Bédard
ONTARIO MASTERS SHORT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS 2006
Results for this meet held March 25 to 26 recently appeared on the host club (Gloucester Concordes) website. 26 masters competitors took part including 16 men and 10 women in a variety of age classifications. All skaters had heats and finals in 500m, 777m and 1000m plus a 1500m final in groups separated by gender.
Cameron Boyd of London took top honours for Masters Men 2 (40-49) placing first in 3 of 4 distances.
In Masters Men 3 (50-59), Ken Wetzel of Gloucester took 1st place overall and set new provincial records in all 4 distances. Running a close second, Doug Dunn of Niagara-on-the-Lake also bettered his own previous provincial records in the 777m and 1000m events.
John Ambrose of Brockville was awarded top spot for Masters Men 4 (60-69).
Skating in Masters Women 1 (30-39), Alicia Weiss of Ottawa finished 1st overall, winning 3 of 4 events in her age class.
Josee Bertrand of Gloucester was fastest in the 500m and 777m to finish with the top ranking for Masters Women 2 (40-49).
In the Masters Women 3 (50-59) category, Sheila McGinn of Ottawa placed first overall and established provincial records in every distance for this classification.
Complete results can be seen at http://www.gloucesterconcordes.ca/Gloucester%20Concordes-Eng/GloucesterMar25-26_RegionalStreamChampionships.pdf
Cameron Boyd of London took top honours for Masters Men 2 (40-49) placing first in 3 of 4 distances.
In Masters Men 3 (50-59), Ken Wetzel of Gloucester took 1st place overall and set new provincial records in all 4 distances. Running a close second, Doug Dunn of Niagara-on-the-Lake also bettered his own previous provincial records in the 777m and 1000m events.
John Ambrose of Brockville was awarded top spot for Masters Men 4 (60-69).
Skating in Masters Women 1 (30-39), Alicia Weiss of Ottawa finished 1st overall, winning 3 of 4 events in her age class.
Josee Bertrand of Gloucester was fastest in the 500m and 777m to finish with the top ranking for Masters Women 2 (40-49).
In the Masters Women 3 (50-59) category, Sheila McGinn of Ottawa placed first overall and established provincial records in every distance for this classification.
Complete results can be seen at http://www.gloucesterconcordes.ca/Gloucester%20Concordes-Eng/GloucesterMar25-26_RegionalStreamChampionships.pdf
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