Quebec’s Kélian Quevillon and Alexis Bélanger win gold in the 3000m Points Race
NORTH RUSTICO, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND – It was an eventful final day of short track racing at the 2023 Canada Winter Games, one that saw Ontario and Quebec capture 3000m relay gold. Quebec’s Kélian Quevillon and Alexis Bélanger also won gold in the 3000m Points Race, the only other distance disputed on Saturday.
Quebec’s men were dominant from start to finish in the 3000m relay, posting a time of 4:10.619 to finish comfortably ahead of silver medalists Ontario, who were seven seconds back (4:17.108). Alberta rounded out the podium in bronze medal position (4:21.355), while British Columbia was penalized in the final, finishing fourth.
Things were a bit more exciting in the women’s relay final, where Ontario capitalized on a fall from Quebec and coasted to a gold medal. The two provinces were neck-and-neck throughout the race, until a Quebec skater slipped on the exit of a corner, which allowed Ontario to take the lead.
Ontario finished the 3000m distance in 4:30.106, five seconds ahead of Quebec (4:35.080). Despite finishing fourth, New Brunswick (4:40.039) was elevated to the bronze medal position after the officials penalized an Alberta skater.
The podium of the men’s 3000m Points Race was swept by Quebec, with Alexis Bélanger bringing home gold, his third individual distance medal of the competition, having also won gold in the 1500m and silver in the 1000m. He was joined by provincial teammates Gabriel Jones and Samuel Darveau.
Quebec’s Kélian Quevillon was victorious is the women’s 3000m Points Race, which allowed her to complete her medal set, having won one of each colour with silver in the 500m and bronze in the 1000m. Teammate Émanuelle Leclerc brought home the silver, while Ontario Aaralyn McGill won bronze.
After five days of racing, the 2023 Canada Winter Games short track speed skating competition comes to an end. Four provinces reached the podium across the five distances, with Quebec brining home the most medals (19).
SHORT TRACK MEDAL TOTALS
- Quebec = 8 gold, 6 silver, 5 bronze
- Ontario = 2 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze
- Alberta = 1 silver, 2 bronze
- New Brunswick = 2 bronze
The full results this week’s competition are available on GemsPro. Fans can also re-watch the races on-demand by visiting canadagames.ca/watch.
Quotes
“I was very happy to be able to win a medal with these girls. We went into the race knowing there was a possibility that we could get a medal, but getting gold feels pretty amazing. After Quebec fell, we knew it was our chance. We told ourselves to remain calm and not over do it, just skate smart, smooth and stay on our feet. It feels amazing to be on the podium with my teammates. They are all amazing girls and I’m very proud to have had the chance to skate with them this week.”
–Andria Scarpelli (ON)
« The gold medal in the relay was one of our objectives and we managed to get it! It’s an amazing feeling. We had a lot of fun racing this week. I was a little stressed going into the relay – more so than in my individual races because I didn’t want to let the team down. But once I started skating, everything went well. I didn’t have any specific goals coming into the Games, but I am extremely happy with my medals and will remember this experience forever. »
Gabriel Jones (QC)
Results
Women’s 3000m Point Race Top-5
- Kélian Quevillon (QC) 10,000
- Émanuelle Leclerc (QC) 8,000
- Aaralyn McGill (ON) 6,400
- Roselyne Pigeon (QC) 5,120
- Alice Vaillancourt (QC) 4,096
Men’s 3000m Points Race Top-5
- Alexis Bélanger (QC) 10,000
- Gabriel Jones (QC) 8,000
- Samuel Darveau (QC) 6,400
- Adam Law (ON) 5,120
- Max Poulin (AB) 4,096
Women’s 3000m Relay Final
- Ontario 4:30.106
- Quebec 4:35.080
- New Brunswick 4:40.039
- Alberta DSQ
Men’s 3000m Relay Final
- Quebec 4:10.619
- Ontario 4:17.108
- Alberta 4:21.355
- British Columbia DSQ