Skaters looking to earn their spot on the all new ISU Short Track World Tour, which debuts this October in Montreal
MONTREAL, QUEBEC – Canada’s top short track speed skaters kick-off their season this weekend in Montreal with the 2024 Canadian Short Track Championships presented by Intact Insurance. The country’s top 40 male and 40 female skaters will battle it out from September 13-15 for the opportunity to represent Canada on the all-new ISU Short Track World Tour, which debuts this October 25-27 at the Maurice-Richard Arena in Montreal.
Last season’s overall champions William Dandjinou (Montreal, Que.) and Courtney Sarault (Moncton, N.B.) will have to overcome increasingly touch competition to defend their national titles. Both skaters unseeded three-time defending champions en route to victory in 2023, with Steven Dubois (Lachenaie, Que.) and Kim Boutin (Sherbrooke, Que.) settling for second-place finishes. Rounding out the overall podiums were Florence Brunelle (Trois-Rivières, Que.) and Pascal Dion (Montreal, Que.).
Things were closely contested on the women’s side last season, with Boutin (6), Sarault (5), Brunelle (3) and Danaé Blais (4) bringing home all the available medals. The men’s competition was much more spread out, with eight different skaters reaching the podium, including Dandjinou (5), Dubois (5), Dion (2), Jérôme Courtemanche (2), Jordan Pierre-Gilles (1), William Sohier (1), Samuel Bureau (1) and Adam Law (1).
The retirement of several National Program skaters during the offseason, including two-time Olympic medalist Dion, as well as Anne-Clara Belley, Wren Acorn and Cynthia Mascitto, among others, will surely open the door for younger skaters to make their mark on the national stage.
The 2024 Canadian Short Track Championships presented by Intact Insurance get underway Friday morning. Races from this weekend’s competition – which includes two 500m, two 1000m and two 1500m – will be live streamed on Speed Skating Canada’s YouTube channel, as well as on CBC Sports digital platforms, including CBCSports.ca and the CBC Olympics and CBC Gem apps.
Tickets for this weekend’s event can be purchased online or in-person at the Maurice-Richard Arena, with single day tickets for $10 and weekend passes for $25.
Resources
ISU Short Track World Tour
Prepare to be amazed by the fastest skaters in the world as they compete in the all-new ISU Short Track World Tour, which makes its debut in Montreal from October 25-27. Don’t miss the chance to cheer on Canada’s top skaters as they battle for the podium during an unforgettable weekend of action at the iconic Maurice-Richard Arena. Reserve your seats for this historic event, with single day tickets starting at $15 and weekend passes available for as low as $26.