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The vibrant city of Montreal provided an exhilarating backdrop for the opening of the ISU World Tour season. On Saturday, Canadian speed skaters made headlines by securing both gold and bronze medals on home ice. The atmosphere was electric as local fans filled the stands to support their athletes at the renowned Maurice Richard Arena.
Among the standout performers was William Dandjinou, a promising talent from the area. The 24-year-old athlete exhibited his skills in the men’s 500-meter race, leading the competition from start to finish. Dandjinou crossed the finish line with a remarkable time of 40.350 seconds, narrowly defeating Italy’s Pietro Sighel, who clocked in at 40.414 seconds.
Impressive medal wins
Adding to the Canadian success, three-time Olympic medalist Steven Dubois from Terrebonne also made his mark by securing a bronze medal with a time of 40.480 seconds. Dubois finished just ahead of fellow Montreal skater Maxime Laoun, showcasing the depth of talent within the Canadian team.
Women’s races brightened by Sarault
Courtney Sarault, hailing from Moncton, New Brunswick, was another highlight of the day. Competing fiercely in the women’s 1,000-meter race, the 25-year-old athlete displayed remarkable speed and determination. Her final surge down the stretch allowed her to clinch victory with a time of 1:28.185, outpacing South Korean skater Kim Gil-li (1:28.250) and American Corinne Stoddard (1:28.279).
Relay success boosts Canadian standings
In addition to individual events, Sarault contributed to the Canadian team’s success in the women’s 3,000-meter relay. Alongside her teammates Danaé Blais, Kim Boutin, Florence Brunelle, and Rikki Doak, they secured a bronze medal with a time of 4:07.45.
The race proved to be a nail-biter, with the Korean team, known as the White Tigers, finishing first in a photo finish at 4:07.318, closely followed by the Dutch team, the Lions (4:07.35).
Looking ahead to the season
The Montreal leg of the ISU World Tour continues into Sunday, with live coverage available on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem starting at 1:30 p.m. ET. This season is crucial for individual accolades and determining the number of Olympic spots each country will secure for the upcoming 2026 Milan-Cortina Games.
The Canadian athletes have laid a strong foundation for the season, and their impressive performances on home turf reflect their dedication and preparation. Fans eagerly anticipate how this momentum will carry them through the remainder of the competitions.
