How Quebec became the engine of Canada’s Olympic short-track speedskating machine
Quebec has become a dominant force in Canada’s Olympic short-track speedskating scene, contributing eight out of ten members of the national team at the Milan Games.
The article highlights the significant role of Quebec in shaping Canada's Olympic short-track speedskating team, especially during the ongoing Olympic competition in Milan. It mentions that 8 out of the 10 team members hail from Quebec's Greater Montreal area, Sherbrooke, or Trois-Rivières, with the remaining two from New Brunswick. William Dandjinou, discussing the phenomenon, humorously attributes it to 'something in the water'.
Athletes like Steven Dubois, who won a silver medal in the mixed relay, elaborate on their passion for the sport. He explains how once an athlete falls in love with short-track speedskating, that love persists throughout their lives, often leading them to invest back into the sport after retirement. This ongoing commitment to short-track speedskating contributes to the formation of a 'dynasty' within Quebec, where a cycle of passion and recruitment continues to elevate the province's status in the sport.
The article points to the cultural and emotional factors that encourage the growth of short-track speedskating in Quebec, revealing how the fervor for the sport creates a nurturing environment for future athletes. As the team competes in Milan, the contributions of these Quebec athletes are not just a testament to their skills but also reflect the strong community and familial ties that bind them to the sport, further ensuring Quebec's prominence in Olympic short-track speedskating for years to come.