Prime Minister Stephen Harper congratulates Charles Hamelin on Olympic Gold Medal

February 26, 2010

VANCOUVER – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today congratulated Charles Hamelin, whose exceptional performance in the Men’s 500-metre short track speed skating event was rewarded with a gold medal at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

“Along with all Canadians, I offer my sincere congratulations to Charles Hamelin for his inspiring gold medal performance today in Vancouver,” said the Prime Minister.  “Canadians are extremely proud of his accomplishment.”

Mr. Hamelin was born in Lévis, Quebec, and lives in Montreal.  This is his second medal in his second Olympic Games, after winning silver in Turin.  He has competed in six World Championships, capturing eight individual and four relay medals and has been part of two World Team titles in 2005 and 2007.  He was named Speed Skating Canada’s Male Skater of the Year for Short Track in 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2009.  He set the world record for 1,000 metres in 2009.
 
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.