(Calgary) Canadian Isabelle Weidemann had to withdraw from the ISU Speed Skating World Cup Final taking place this weekend in the Netherlands following a positive COVID-19 test. 19.
Posted at 5:32 p.m.
Speed Skating Canada made the announcement in a press release late Thursday afternoon.
The Ottawa native has undergone several tests over the past week. However, his Ct values, which are used to determine the level of contagion, have not returned to a level that would allow him to travel and integrate into the protective bubble that is in place in Heerenveen.
The 26-year-old skater was scheduled to compete in the women’s 1,500m and 3,000m events in the final international competition of the season.
She currently sits first in the overall World Cup standings in distance distance after winning three silver medals on the circuit in the fall.
Weidemann also distinguished herself at the Beijing Olympics by winning three medals: gold in the team pursuit, silver in the 5,000 meters and bronze in the 3,000 meters.
Her exploits in Beijing earned her the title of Canada’s flag bearer at the closing ceremony, held on February 20.
Weidemann accepted this bad twist of fate with serenity.
“I’m disappointed to miss this last competition of the season, but I can’t help but think of myself as a remarkably lucky person. I had the opportunity to compete this fall on the World Cup circuit as well as at the Olympics; these are two great experiences and I do not take them for granted, ”responded Weidemann, through the press release from Speed Skating Canada.
“I’ve avoided COVID for the past two years, but with all the travel we’ve been doing, I knew there was going to be a positive test eventually. I am sad to have to be away this weekend, but there is no doubt that I will encourage my teammates and my teammates back home. »