CBC-Sports

Success on the ice, and on the runway

October 4, 2009 11:30 PM | Posted by   Jessica Gregg  

Our team recently returned home from the first set of short-track speedskating World Cups that were held in Beijing and Seoul.

Overall the trip went really well. We had some time in Beijing to do some touristy things like visit Tiananmen Square and the markets. It’s always nice to go out and be a tourist during the trip, but skating is the priority so obviously we have to respect the rest we need. Unfortunately, that means we spend a lot of time in the hotel — especially this year, because the competitions are four days long instead of the usual three. The rest of our time is spent at the rink.

The focus for our team this year is the Olympics, and it's the third and fourth World Cup stops that count as Olympic qualifiers. That means that for these first two World Cups, our main goal was just to gain experience racing internationally and to try out new strategies.

We were not “peaked” for these competitions, and I'm sure not many of the other countries were either. But, regardless, we had some good results. I ended up with a silver medal in the 500 metres in Beijing and bronze medals in the relay on both weekends. I was really happy that I picked up where I left off last year in the 500 — on the podium — and it was nice to have another Canadian there with me, as Marianne St. Gelais came third in the race.

The final was kind of crazy, as Marianne and Nannan Zhou of China both fell on the second straightaway. The race became separated, with me trying to chase down Meng Wang for the win, and Marianne and Zho going at it for third after they got back on their skates. The relays went pretty well, but we know we can only get better and better the more that we practice and train together as a team.

Canada's next top model?

After coming home for a day, I flew back to Vancouver for the launch of the new Olympic clothing line by the Hudson's Bay Company. I was lucky enough to be one of the “models” at the opening press conference and it was surprising to see the media turn out.

Almost the whole first floor of the store was filled with the Olympic clothing, which looks really nice and feels very comfortable. I had a feeling the clothes were going to be great, considering the games are in Canada, and I think everyone at the unveiling was impressed.

Some of the athletes that HBC sponsors, including myself, stayed for the day and we had two autograph sessions. I was shocked at the turnout — in a good way, as there was a constant hour-long lineup of people in the store waiting to get our autographs! It was my first real taste of the public's excitement over the Games coming to Canada.

Many people purchased clothes and souvenirs, and it looked like they were all really excited about being involved in these Olympics. There are a lot of different items, so there's something for everyone and some are not expensive at all. It would be really inspiring to see everyone in the stands and around Vancouver all wearing the matching red, white and black colors, supporting and cheering on our Canadian athletes.

There is a Red Mittens campaign that I recently found out about. The mitts are only $10 and are very comfortable. Part of the proceeds go straight to Own The Podium, the organization that has been funding the winter sports programs to help give us the edge on our competition in everything from technological advancements to support staff.

My advice: go online or to the nearest HBC store and get some Olympic gear! You'll be satisfied and so will the entire Canadian team.

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