Canada’s short track speed skating team made an impressive start to the ISU World Tour season in Montreal over the weekend, clinching two gold and one bronze medal. Local skater William Dandjinou thrilled the crowd by winning the men’s 500 meters event, while Courtney Sarault from Moncton, N.B., secured victory in the women’s 1,000 meters race.
Dandjinou, a towering 24-year-old talent, dominated the men’s 500 meters race, finishing in 40.350 seconds at Maurice Richard Arena, narrowly beating Italy’s Pietro Sighel. Three-time Olympic medalist Steven Dubois claimed the bronze medal in the same event, showcasing a strong comeback after recovering from an injury.
Sarault continued Canada’s success by outpacing her competitors to win the women’s 1,000 meters event with a time of 1:28.185. She expressed joy at starting the season with a strong performance, highlighting the team’s spirit and potential on the international stage.
Additionally, Sarault contributed to the Canadian Ice Maples’ success by aiding in winning a bronze medal in the women’s 3,000 meters relay. The team, consisting of Sarault, Danaé Blais, Kim Boutin, and Florence Brunelle, showcased their skill with a podium finish.
The ISU World Tour event in Montreal will proceed with more competitions on Sunday, with live coverage available on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem. This event plays a crucial role in determining Olympic entries and participants for the upcoming 2026 Milan-Cortina Games in February.