Félix Pigeon’s decision to leave Canada and join the Polish federation was clearly not unanimous in the world of short track speed skating.
Even his good friend William Dandjinou, a rising star on the Canadian team, was skeptical. Why did you turn your back on Canada when one day he was good enough to be part of the national team?
“To be honest, before last weekend I wasn’t 100% sure I made the right decision, but now I’m convinced,” Pigeon admitted in an interview.
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Photo agency QMI, JOEL LEMAY
Starting Friday, during the 1,000-meter qualifying of the first of two consecutive World Cups held in Montreal, Pigeon moved the group from one end to the other along with experienced skaters including Italy’s Luca Spechenhauser and China’s Wenlong Li. In the stands, his father Alexandre and mother Nancy Lavigueur watched the scene with pride.
“I’m continuing to take it one step at a time,” Pigeon predicted, hoping to compete in as many World Cup events as possible this season. The ultimate dream is of course to take part in the Olympics [en 2026]but for that I have to get my Polish citizenship.”
Photo agency QMI, JOEL LEMAY
At peace with his decision
After participating in an international competition with Poland, he believes returning to Canada is no longer an option. According to the rules, he should be away for at least a full year to change countries, and that doesn’t include the additional sanctions he faces from Speed Skating Canada.
“I am happy with all of this,” he assured. Those who know me closely are not surprised by my decision. It was more because of the world of skating that we were shocked.”
By taking part in the 1500 meter semi-final last Saturday and taking part in the 1000 meter B final on Sunday, Pigeon achieved 59 points in the overall World Cup ranking and is currently ranked 20th in the world.