Manitoba speed skaters keen to turn success in Quebec City into more silverware

Hungry off a dominant performance at the Canada Cup Final in Quebec City earlier this month, Manitoba’s speed skaters are eying more podium finishes in the future.

Athletes from Manitoba claimed 14 medals at the long-track speed-skating event in Quebec’s capital from Feb. 27 to March 2 – making it the second-most decorated province at the competition.

“As it started going and I was looking at the podium, I started seeing Manitoban, Manitoban, Manitoban, Manitoban,” recounted Scott Van Horne, the technical director of Speed Skating Manitoba.

Van Horne attributes the success to their unique, centralized training program.

“The provincial coach actually coaches a group almost on a daily basis depending on the time of year, so the provincial coach is able to work more closely with the athletes and the athletes really benefit from it,” he said.

Leading the way for Manitoba in Quebec City was Alexa Scott, who picked up a remarkable five medals, including three gold. Right behind her was Skylar Van Horne, with three silver and a bronze.

“I would say I raced beyond my expectations. I really was pushed by skating against the fastest girls in Canada and it really helped me get the best results that I could,” Van Horne said.

The 18-year-old’s journey with Manitoba’s program started years ago. What began as a young skater’s dream has transformed into a concrete goal to compete on the world stage. Van Horne says her success at the Canada Cup Final has reinforced her belief that her dream is within reach.

“I am definitely striving to try and make a world cup team next year and hopefully performing well at Olympic trials just to see what I can do,” she said.

The team from Manitoba is now skating with a clear sense of momentum, hoping this recent success can help propel them to a national level.

“I’m setting (my sights on) junior worlds because I think that would be a great experience,” said 18-year-old Erik Kulbacki. “After that I am setting my sights to make the national sights and going to the Olympics.

“As well as beating my brother is a pretty big goal on my horizon.”

Erik Kulbacki’s brother Ryan, who is three years older, won a gold medal in Quebec City.

The event was the last opportunity for athletes to secure National Team and Next Gen qualification points.