Kelowna Speed Skaters Set The Pace
It was a weekend to remember for Abigail McCluskey (22) after competing in Tamaszow, Poland last weekend at the ISU Neo-Senior (19-22 years) World Cup Long Track Speed Skating. Abigail is a product of the KELOWNA SPEED SKATING CLUB and now trains full time with the National Team at the Calgary Olympic Oval. She won 6 of the 17 medals captured by the young Canadian Team bringing home gold medals in the 3000m and Team Sprint, Silver in the 1500m and Bronze medals in the 1000m and Mass Start Event. Adding to previous trips to the Junior World Championships in 2016 and 2017, gaining more international competition experience is an integral part of her high-performance athlete development plan.
Abigail will be joined by Jacob Rubuliak at the Can Am International Competition in Calgary this coming weekend and the Canada Cup on Dec 7-9th in Fort St. John. The Canada Cup will also serve as the Canada Games Qualifier for Rubuliak.
Local Kelowna Speed Skaters added to a weekend of success by smashing close to 30 personal best records at the Salmon Arm Ice Breaker Regional Competition held last weekend. Setting the pace with four personal bests was Addison Hank (7) along with Lachlan Ockelton (8) and Joseph Coulliard (10). McKenzie Adams (14) glided to three personal bests and took the over-all title for U15 while Findlay Ockelton (11), Calla Haaheim (11) also shaved their times in three distances. Earning two personal bests were Xander Haaheim (7) and Talia Halperin (10). Rounding out the improvement was Lillian Buzato with three personal bests in the Active for Life Category.
KSSC skaters will be back in action competing in the Kelowna Cup at the Capital News Centre on Saturday, Dec 15th from noon – 4:30. Admission and cheering on our local athletes is free.