Brunel is only the second Canadian ever to win medals in all three individual distances in one event
DRESDEN, Germany – Florence Brunel ended one of the country’s most successful junior careers with a silver medal in the 1000 m at the ISU World Junior Short Track Championships in Dresden on Sunday.
Brunel (Trois-Rivieres, Quebec) snuggled up to fifth from the start of the race after the Korean trio of Giri Kim, Sunmi Oh and Sua Seo moved in unison to the front of the pack on the opening lap. The Canadian raced for time, pushing for the podium with two laps to go, passing China’s Wang Ye from the outside and performing a double inside pass to So and Oh on the final straight to take the silver medal.
South Korea’s Giri Kim (1:32.294) took the win to clinch her second World Championship title of the weekend. Brunel (1:32.780) crossed the finish line in his second place, ahead of South Korea’s Song Mio (1:32.960).
With Sunday’s silver medal, Brunel became the Canadian short track skater to finish on the podium at all three distances at a single World Junior Championships, joining Marie-Hève Delorée in 2000 and 2001 for the feat. It was the second person regardless of gender.
This weekend’s performance in Dresden further cemented the 19-year-old as one of the country’s most successful junior skaters. She is finishing her career with her eight World Junior Championship medals, including four gold medals, in addition to her two silver medals at the 2020 Youth Olympic Games. Only her Drolet has earned more hardware at the World Junior Championship level and her 10 medals in four competitions.
The international short track season continues next weekend in Dresden. There, the senior national team will compete in its fifth World Cup of the season. For Saturday and Sunday live action, visit CBC Sports.
Quotations
“I was ready to win today, but in the first two laps I was pushed to the back of the pack. I had to find a way back.I’m happy with how I overcame that challenge.I’m very happy that you enjoyed your weekend and skating.I was able to express myself on the ice. I am proud of it.”
Florence Brunel
“I am happy to finish my junior career with a medal in each individual distance. My passion for short track speed skating started at my first international competition. I am so grateful to have been so well supported and lived through these experiences.”
Florence Brunel
result
- Florence Brunel: 2nd
- Anne-Sophie Baschan: 9th
- Ayisha Qi Miao: 17th
- Victor Roy-Lafrance: 7th
- Samuel Bureau: 16th
- Mathieu Pelletier: 28th
