Glance on the Canadian Olympic selections
Date: Wednesday, January 04 @ 05:57:43 PST :: Topic: long track
On January 4th the long track team for Torino games is scheduled
to be officially nominated at a news conference at the Olympic Oval. By then,
Marilou Asselin, participating to the selections speaks to us a about his season
and the chances of medals for the canadians at Torino.
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
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