Remarks collected by Jean-Michel Lachance
Traducted by Gabrielle De Billy Brown

How do you perceive the decision of moving to Calgary for skating purpose? Are you tempted to do that as well?

That’s the million-dollar question! I have nothing against those who make that choice; I get along well with everyone in general! They make a choice and there is a lot of thinking involved behind it. As for me, you should think I haven’t thought a lot about my decision to stay in Québec City. Basically, the thing is: I can’t find any reason why I should not go, skating-wise (the Oval, the facilities etc.). I’d say it’s really a question of culture and my own happiness. It’s hard to pinpoint on the reasons why, but no one that has moved there has had success… NO ONE. (I sincerely wish the best of luck to Marilou, (note: Asselin, who moved to Calgary a few years ago) I really do.) And that’s not all… if you do a bit of research, you’ll have a lot of difficulty finding an anglophone that has moved to Québec and had success. It doesn’t seem to work at all!

So, when it’ll become more than clear that I’ll have to make a move, I’ll do it, believe me, but it’ll probably more be to Vancouver. I’m getting ahead of myself here… there’s no sight of Calgary in my close future, at least not full time.

On the same topic, what do you think about the fact that, in the last year, all the infrastructures have been built in the West, while the Eastern provinces, like Québec, don’t get a thing?

Of course, I would like to see more infrastructures in Québec. It’s clearly not equal. However, I don’t think it’s a conscious decision. The circumstances (the 2010 Olympics) also play a part. But it’s clear that more infrastructures in Québec would help athletes from all over the country. Just in skating… you just look at our performance in short track. The team is composed mainly of Quebecers. Imagine if there was a real oval here, in Québec… we would have the biggest amount of skater in Canada (and by far) that would grow an interest in our sport. Let me tell you, it wouldn’t take long until the whole team would be from Québec, and would be much better (!). I’m not trying to disregard the talent of Western skaters. There’s a lot of talent elsewhere in Canada… just not as much skaters of all ages than here!

What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever skated?

Definitively Collalbo, Italy. I’m lucky enough to go again next week. It’s one of the few outdoor oval on the World Cup circuit, and let me tell you, it’s breathtaking. You’re literally on TOP of a mountain, and the sun always shines, the view of the other mountain tops is amazing, the temperature is always between 5 and 15 degrees, and the ice is always at its best. I say always…there might be a few exceptions… but they are few!

What is your favourite speed skating memory?

As for a memory… it’s probably the first time I set foot at the Nagano M-Wave. It was my first senior international competition, the Sprint World Championship, in 2004. It meant a lot to me. Also, to be with Mike Ireland and Jeremy Wotherspoon for a competition and for the practises that came before that. That was a memorable moment!

What do you want to do, once your skating career is over (even though it’s still quite young!)?

The more it goes, the more I think I’ll go into business once it’s over. It’s not really precise in what domain exactly, but I’ll be doing my own thing. As for my studies, I started a University program in “Sportive Intervention” last year, but I haven’t been to school this year, as I was concentrating on skating. This fall, I’m going to start another program, in another domain entirely, and going more towards administration, to get closer to my desired career. Although I do stay open to what life has to offer! You never know! I could change my mind! The future doesn’t worry me.


Photo: Jean-René Bélanger during 1000m at Calgary world cup, early 2005.
Credit: jrbelanger.ca