Félix Roussel, who crossed the finish line in third place, didn’t smile like one would imagine from an athlete who has just won the first individual medal of his World Cup career. The short track speed skater benefited from a fall among his competitors on Saturday to sneak onto the 1000m podium in Dresden, Germany.
“It’s not really a fairy tale!” the Sherbrooke resident reported to Sportcom.
The indifference lasted only a few minutes, then contentment gave way. Although acquired to his advantage after an incident, the bronze medal rewarded the Canadian team’s rookie for a full day.
“It’s not necessarily how I wanted to win it, but I was solid in the quarterfinals and semifinals. I impressed myself in every race and knew I deserved my place in the top five,” admitted Roussel.
His trainer Marc Gagnon had advised him to quickly establish his rhythm in the final. The Quebecois lacked aggression at the start, but in the end he didn’t need any overtaking maneuvers to secure third place. Japan’s Miyata Shogo and South Korea’s Kim Tae Sung collided right in front of him and rolled out the mat to the podium.
“The intent was good, but my execution was not implied. If I could have taken the lead, I could have defended my place. If I drive from the front, it suits me a little better,” said the bronze medalist.
South Korean Park Ji Won won gold ahead of Latvia’s Roberts Kruzbergs. Maxime Laoun was second in the B final and was 7th in the 1000m while Steven Dubois, who was stopped in the quarterfinals, was 19th.
William Dandjinou was the best Canadian over 1500 m and was the only one to reach final B. He is 13th in the final ranking. Pascal Dion and Mathieu Pelletier finished 16th and 27th.
At his place
“My progress? I don’t know how to describe it!” replied Félix Roussel before developing his thoughts.
“I am proud and very impressed. I can’t believe how fast everything went. I wasn’t listed in any national team, I trained with the girls and tried to prove to the world that I’m good.
The 21-year-old skater’s results continue to improve this season. When he ran for the first time at the World Championships in Montreal in October, he just wanted to use the experience.
Félix Roussel says he feels safer since the stages in Kazakhstan. He feels like he belongs. The mere fact of being at the World Cup no longer meets his expectations. His approach changed before the races and will continue to evolve towards the end of the calendar.
“I can’t even say what Felix can do next week. I’m learning so much and have to practice a lot. I’m in a time of absorbing everything and seeing where it can take me next.
Kim Boutin at the foot of the podium
Three Canadians took part in the A final over 1500 m in Dresden: Kim Boutin, Claudia Gagnon and Courtney Sarault.
The skaters swapped heads at the start of the race. Sarault lost his footing slightly with two laps to go, but still managed to pass Kim Boutin at the next corner to take third place.
The New Brunswicker maintained her rank to the finish line. Kim Boutin came close to the podium and Claudia Gagnon was sixth.
For his part, Danaé Blais took part in the B final over 1000m on Saturday. She crossed the finish line as the fourth runner and took 9th place.
In the mixed relay, Maxime Laoun and Pascal Dion teamed up with Boutin and Sarault. A fall by Laoun in the A final propelled the quartet to fourth place. The Canadian team had more success in the men’s and women’s relays, both reaching the A-finals scheduled for Sunday. 500 m and 1500 m races are also on the program.