At the Hamilton Speedskating Club, athletes experience success in many different ways, from personal best performances in competition to steady improvements in technique or simply trying something new on the ice. Over the coming months, the club will share a series of athlete stories highlighting those moments, offering a glimpse into the experiences of skaters across different ages and levels.
The first story features Jaden, who spoke with us following a recent meet in Brampton about his racing experience and development in the sport.
Q: How long have you been speedskating, and what first got you interested in joining the Hamilton Speedskating Club?
Jaden: I have been speed skating for 2 years now. I got into speed skating because when I was doing power skating, I was more interested in being the fastest than actually doing the drills. So my coach suggested speed skating to my parents.
Q: You recently competed at a meet in Brampton. For readers who may be new to the sport, can you explain what a speedskating meet is like?
Jaden: A meet is a competition where you race against other skaters from different clubs but your main goal is to get a better time or personal best. And if you have the fastest time of your heat/ or category, you get a medal.
Q: We noticed a loud cheering section during one of your races! Who was in your fan zone, and can you tell us about the race that got everyone so excited?
Jaden: My aunties, uncles, cousins, parents, and my sister were in my fan zone. Everyone got excited because I jumped from third place to first place in the last lap on my 400 meter. They also loved seeing the strategy in my 1500m, especially when I chose the right moments to move up.
Q: Coach Mike was busy in the coaches’ box watching races and taking notes. What kinds of things did he talk with you about between races?
Jaden: Coach Mike talked to me about my technique and what I had to fix to get faster, like more cross overs in the corners.
Q: Finally, what would you say to kids who have seen speedskating on TV but might feel nervous about trying it, or don’t realize there’s a local club they could join?
Jaden: I’d tell them that if speedskating feels right for you, it’s worth giving it a try. Talk to your parents and look online to see if there’s a club near you. You won’t know until you try.
Thanks for taking the time to share your experience, Jaden. We’re looking forward to following your progress as the season continues.
