Long Track Neo Juniors

Three skaters from the Hamilton Speedskating Club just represented Ontario in the Neo Junior Championships in Quebec, a national long track competition for Canada’s top 14 and 15 year-old speedskaters. Grayson, Clara and Isla competed from January 8th to 10th against a field of 40 of the country’s top male and female athletes.

The highlight of the weekend came in the women’s team pursuit, where Isla captured the gold medal. All three skaters along with a fourth skater Enzo, also competed earlier this season in the short track Neo-Juniors where Isla was the second highest Ontario skater.

“There are not a lot of long track competition opportunities for Ontario skaters. Unlike Alberta and Quebec, Ontario does not have a long track facility for Ontario athletes. This competition is a great opportunity to compete at a high level, with some of the best long track skaters of my age, in the country.” says Isla.

Grayson posted a top 10 performance, finishing 9th place in the mass start. Unlike traditional long track distances of 500m, 1000m, 1500m and 3000m, where skaters compete two at a time in their own lanes, the mass start puts all skaters on the ice at once, (24 in Grayson’s case). His short track experience helped him navigate the pack.

“It was an honour to represent Ontario and to compete with the top skaters in Canada.” says Grayson.

On the women’s side, Clara also has a strong weekend. “I am really happy with how I did at Neo juniors. I finished higher than the rank that I came in with and improved in a few of my races. This experience was very fun and I really enjoyed going to race in Quebec. It was overall a great competition and experience.”

The athletes have already returned to training with the Hamilton Speedskating Club as they prepare for upcoming competitions, including an elite meet hosted in Hamilton on February 7 and 8. Several skaters are also aiming to qualify for the Canada Youth Winter Games later this winter.

The skaters train three or more days per week on the ice, complemented by dryland and cross-training sessions. They train alongside approximately 40 other athletes in the club, ranging in age from young children just learning to skate to masters-level skaters.

“The speedskating environment is very welcoming,” said Smits-Talving. “It’s a fun sport and a great one to try.”

The Hamilton-hosted meet will be open to the public and free to attend, providing an opportunity to watch many of Ontario’s top youth speedskaters compete. Races are scheduled throughout the weekend, typically beginning at 9 a.m., and will take place at the Chedoke Twin Pad Arena on February 7 and 8.