Hamelin Golden in Sochi
Russia has been kind so far to 2010 Olympic champion Charles Hamelin. The native of Sainte-Julie, QC sprinted to gold in the 500 m event at the Short Track World Cup today in a Sochi Test Event in a time of 41.092 seconds to win his eighth medal in nine individual races of the season.
The gold marks Hamelin’s second top of the podium finish this year.
“It’s a different race that I usually skate the final,” said Hamelin. “In the 500, I usually lead or I’m second, but in the first lap I will pass to make sure I’m leading for the reminder of the race. Today I was second right off the start and I tried to make a pass after two and a half laps, but without success. I knew my last chance was going to be at the finish and I took that chance. We finished the race and I waited impatiently for the result. I got the gold medal.”
Maltais Captures Silver
Olympic bronze medallist Dominique Maltais of Petite-Riviere-Saint Francois, QC, captured a silver medal at a Snowboard World Cup event at Blue Mountain on Saturday one week after placing second at the World Championships in Stoneham, QC.
2013 World Champion Maelle Ricker finished in fourth place.
In men’s action, Chris Robanske of North Vancouver, BC, won snowboard cross gold to become the first man to finish at the top of the podium since 2007.
