(Beijing) Canadians Kim Boutin and Coutney Sarault advanced to the quarterfinals of the 1,500 meter short track speed skating event on Wednesday at the Beijing Olympics.
Posted at 7:33 a.m.
Sarault easily won her heat, while Boutin and South Korean Lee Yubin were in a class of their own in their quarter-final.
For her part, Quebecer Danaé Blais fell and was eliminated.
The top three skaters from each of the six quarter-finals advanced to the semi-finals, along with the three fastest skaters from those who finished fourth in their heat.
The semi-finals and finals took place later at the Palais Omnisports in the capital.
The finals of the men’s 5000 meters relay were also on the schedule. Canada will be in the A final.
A medal would allow Charles Hamelin to join long track speed skater Cindy Klassen as Canada’s most decorated athletes at the Winter Games. Swimmer Penny Oleksiak is Canada’s most medal-winning Olympic athlete with seven.
A gold medal would also allow Hamelin to join hockey players Caroline Ouellette, Jayna Hefford and Hayley Wickenheiser at the top of Canada’s gold medal column with four.