Remarks collected by Jean-Michel Lachance

More than one year ago, you moved from Quebec to Calgary. What justified your choice?

My choice was not only decided in regard of speed skating. I always dreamed to go to see what it was elsewhere, but speed skating retained me to do. Calgary tried me during more than one year before I move. Obviously, I had apprehension of leaving alone and Marcel Lacroix, a Quebec trainer québécois based in Calgary supported me and always helps me if I need assistance for anything. There are also Mireille and Benoit Savard which moved in the same summer that me and it is very conforting to have them here. The adaptation is not as easy as everyone can believe it. Yes I speak English, but that was very exhausting at the beginning to hear of English all around me. I really missed French. There also were the joint tenants. I just moved to an apartement where I live alone and it is only there that I realize the stress which was of living with 4 other people who were not dedicated to speed skating. And also, I was far from my home. The first time, I passed more than 10 months at Calgary, only returning at Quebec for one month and half for then again setting out towards the city of the cowboys. Finally there was the school and work. I worked for a session and as it too much exhausting I stopped.

This year, victim of bad luck, you fell sick before the selections. How do you live that ?, Are you satisfied with your performance at the 1000 taking into account the circumstances?

Unfortunately I caught a virus which put me 4 days and half in the bed. Thereafter, take a 15 minutes walk exhausted me. That frightened me, I thought of the selections and to my chances and I knew it was necessary to be on top shape and on a good day to come and create the surprise. I passed through all the emotions possible... disappointment, frustration, anger, I was even a little happy to leave the rink, but I ended up accepting the situation. I continu to see the doctor and I still do not have the green light to start again serious trainning then yes I am satisfied with my 1000m, where despite everything I nevertheless made my best personal time.

Having lived to Quebec and to be trainned during several years at Québec and now in Calgary, you are well placed to speak about the Olympic selections and the candidates.

The team will be made up of several young skaters. Christine Nesbitt of Ontario( 20 years), Denny Morisson , of British-Columbia ( 20 years) Justin Warsylewicz of Saskatoon ( 20 years) François-Olivier Roberge of Quebec ( 20 years) Shannon Rempel of Manitoba ( 21 years). There are the veterans who will be there: Clara Hughes, Kristina Groves, Cindy Klassen, Jeremy Wotherspoon, Mike Ireland, Arne Dankers and Steven Elm.

The chances of medal are very strong for Canada. Denny Morisson which went on the podium on a World cup and also finished several times 4th will be someone to watch on the 1000m. and 1500m. Jeremy Wotherspoon is in excellent form. I really wish a medal to Arne Dankers, specialist in the long distances, but who can surprise in the 1500m. The male team pursuit could take the gold! They gained medals this autumn including one of gold in Calgary. Among women Cindy Klassen, Kristina Groves and Clara Hughes could with them 3 take the podium of the 3000m. and/or 5000m. With a solid race Christine Nesbitt could go up on the podium to the 1000m. and/or the 1500m. The female team pursuit should also be on the podium! Then that will be very interesting for Canada to see going its skaters!

Photo: Marilou Asselin during Canada Cup at Calgary, 2001
Credit: Peter Reath