Speedskating's first evening proves to be an exciting one

Kyle Yoshida of West Vancouver won two silver medals at the BC Winter Games in Kimberley-Cranbrook. This very nice 15-year-old won his medals in the 1000 and 777 metre races on the first evening of the Games.

He said that he was happy with his races. This is his third trip to the games, he now heads for Provincials and is confident about making it to Nationals. Kyle was very inspired to try this sport from watching the Salt Lake Olympics and also seeing his older brother skate in the 2004 games. "This is a great environment, I meet different athletes from other sports."

Alec Janssens of Chilliwack won a gold and bronze medal on the first night of speedskating at the BC Winter Games. His gold was in the 777 metre and bronze in the 1000 metre. Alec has been skating since grade five and this is his second trip to the games. He said he was looking forward to the relay, "We have a good team." He will be headed for the Provincials in Kelowna.

Two bronze medals were won by 14-year-old Josie Spence of Kamloops. She won her speedskating medals in the 777 and 666 metre event on the first evening of skating at the BC Winter Games. She said that she is having a good time here and "staying with others and getting to know them is nice." She has been skating for six years, being encouraged to try the sport from her mother, Cathy Turnbull-Spence, who was a world champion. She will be heading for the Provincials in Kelowna and then hopefully to the Nationals in Quebec.

Jordon Rosborough of Winfield, won two gold medals on the opening night of speedskating at the BC Winter Games. His wins came in the 777 and 666 meter events. He has been skating for five years and this is his first winter games. Jordon said " I am having lots of fun so far, hanging out with friends." His mom got him started in thesport when he was in grade four. He will be headed for the Provincials and then hopes he will get to enjoy the high level of experience the Nationals

Kayne Dressler of Ft St John won a silver medal in the 777 meter race and followed it up with a bronze in the 666 meter in speedskating at the B.C. Winter Games in Cranbrook. Kayne said he had hoped for gold but was satisfied with the second place finish. He has been skating for seven years and had wanted to play hockey but his mom made him take one year of speedskating first." "I fell in love with it." He is next going to the Provincials and said he has a good chance to make the top four and go to Nationals.

There were two gold medals for Michelle MacKay of Pitt Meadows. The15-year-old won her medals in the 1000 and 777 metre opening night speedskating event at the BC WinterGames.

Michelle has been skating since she was five and has been to one prior Games. She will now be going on to the Provincials in Kelowna in March. She said ,"I think I will make the top four in Provincial, hopefully." She would then advance to the Nationals.

BC Games News Service: Judy Caron