Prime Minister Stephen Harper congratulates Canada’s speed skaters on Olympic Gold in Team Pursuit

February 27, 2010

VANCOUVER – Prime Minister Stephen Harper congratulated the Canadian men’s long track speed skating team, whose exceptional performance today in the men’s team pursuit was rewarded with a gold medal at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

“Congratulations to our Canadian speed skaters Denny Morrison, Lucas Makowsky, Mathieu Giroux and Francois-Olivier Roberge, who exhibited incredible team work, perseverance and determination during this endurance race,” said the Prime Minister.  “Your stellar performance has truly inspired the entire country.”
 
Mr. Morrison was born in Chetwynd, British Columbia, and resides in Calgary.  This is his second medal in his second Olympic Games.  He is the 2008 World Champion in 1,500 metres and medaled in the 1,000 metres at the 2009, 2008, and 2007 World Championships.  He has been named Speed Skating Canada’s Long Track Speed Skater of the Year four times.

Mr. Makowsky was born in Regina and resides in Calgary.  This is his first medal in his first Olympic Games.  He has won seven medals on the World Cup circuit and posted top-15 performances in all four events at his first Single Distance World Championships in 2009.  He is the 2009 Canadian champion in the 5,000 and 10,000 metres and won the silver medal in the 1,500 metres.
 
Mr. Giroux was born in Montreal and resides in Richmond, British Columbia.  This is his first medal in his first Olympic Games.  He is a former short track speed skater who switched to long track in September 2008.  His top finish in the World Cup was 13th in the 10,000 metres.  He is a five-time World Junior Short Track Championship medalist, and has won two World Cup medals in short track.  He is also a two-time recipient of Speed Skating Canada’s Peter Williamson Bursary for athletic and academic achievement.
 
Mr. Roberge was born in Quebec City, where he currently resides.  This is his first medal in his second Olympic Games.  He has competed in three World Championships, and skated in his first World Cup in Calgary in 2005.  He is a former silver medal winner at the Junior World Championships.
 
The 2010 Olympic Winter Games are being held from February 12 to 28.  Canada is being represented by more than 200 athletes who are competing in a 15-sport competition schedule at nine venues in Vancouver, Richmond and Whistler.  More than 5,500 athletes, coaches and team officials from more than 80 countries are participating in these Olympic Games.