Steven Dubois will look to add to Canada’s medal haul after earning a ticket to the A final of the 1500m short track speed skating event at the Beijing Olympics on Wednesday.
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Dubois will be in the grand final after being advanced to the semi-finals. Dutchman Sjinkie Knegt was penalized for a maneuver at his expense. A few cheeky overtakings in the quarter-finals had allowed him to continue on his way.
Two other Canadians entered the semi-finals without managing to continue. In what was likely his last career individual race, Charles Hamelin was penalized. At 37, he had however completely dropped his opponents in the quarter-finals.
Pascal Dion was second in his wave when the Hungarian Shaolin Sandor Liu made a strong overtaking at his expense. Dion never recovered and finished last in his semi-final heat.
Disaster
After dominating her wave, Kim Boutin crashed out of the very last corner in the 1000m. She must therefore give up on a medal in this distance after obtaining silver in Pyeongchang in 2018.
Alyson Charles will be able to continue on her way since she was advanced despite her third place. The French Tifany Huot Marchand was indeed penalized for changing lanes when overtaking at her expense.
Canada can also encourage Courtney Sarault, who won her heat, in the quarterfinals on Friday.
Blondin withdraws
Ivanie Blondin also announced on Wednesday that she was withdrawing from the 5000m long track speed skating event. She thus wishes to “maximize” her performance during the team events.