The Canadian short track speed skating team excelled at the ISU World Tour event in Montreal, adding three more medals to their tally. Courtney Sarault from Moncton, N.B., clinched her second consecutive gold medal by winning the women’s 1,500-meter final in a time of 2:22.156 at Maurice Richard Arena. Sarault, who was a silver medalist in the same distances at last year’s world championships, expressed satisfaction with her performance, attributing it to her hard work and training paying off.
Meanwhile, fellow Canadian Olympian Kim Boutin secured a silver medal in the women’s 500m event, with Dutch skater Xandra Velzeboer taking the gold. Boutin was emotional after the race, highlighting her joy in competing at a high level and handling the pressure of leading the race. Velzeboer, the world record holder, set a new mark during the event.
Additionally, Canada claimed bronze in the mixed team relay after the Korean team was disqualified, leading to a reshuffle in the standings. The World Tour plays a crucial role in determining Olympic entries and participants for the upcoming 2026 Milan-Cortina Games. Athletes earn points throughout the season, aiming to secure the Crystal Globe trophy for individual and team accomplishments.
Canada’s strong showing in Montreal, with seven medals including three golds, positions them at the top of the medal standings. They are also in contention for the Team Crystal Globe, with Sarault currently leading the women’s trophy race. The competition will continue with further stops in Poland and the Netherlands before the world championships in Montreal. Fans can catch the action live on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem.
