Speed Skating Weekly Wrap Up

Short Track Speed Skating at the Arctic Winter Games produced an exciting week of fast times and record-breaking performances!

Yuma McEachern of Team Northwest Territories delivered a remarkable performance in the U15 Men’s division, setting four new records in the 400m, 500m, 1000m and 1500m.

In the U15 Women’s division, Lindsey Stipdonk of the Northwest Territories and June Lynch of Alberta North led the field with exceptional speed. Lindsey set new records in the 500m and 1500m, finishing the week with three Gold Ulus and two Silver Ulus. Adding to the Stipdonk family’s incredible week, Lindsey’s father, Chris Stipdonk, set two new World Records in Arctic Sports in the Knuckle Hop and Airplane.

June Lynch broke her own 400m record, previously set in Mat-Su, Alaska, and finished the Games with two Gold Ulus and three Silver Ulus. She was also part of Alberta North’s record-breaking 3000m Team Relay, where the team captured repeat Gold alongside Claire Cook, Autumn Munn, and Rylee Krawetz.

In the U19 Men’s division, Peter Mahon of the Northwest Territories was dominant, earning Gold Ulus in all four individual distances. Teammate Seiya McEachern captured three Silver Ulus, while Alberta North’s Derian Boechler skated to three Bronze Ulus.

In the U15 Men’s division, Russell MacKay of the Northwest Territories earned one Gold Ulu and three Silvers.

In U19 Women’s division, Brigid Murphy of the Northwest Territories captured three Gold Ulus. Alberta North’s Ola Gawlak earned a Gold and a Bronze Ulu, along with the Officials’ selection for the Fair Play Pin. Méliya Allain of Nunavut claimed three Silver Ulus.

Team Nunavut's Fair Play Pin was presented to race announcer and commentator Candace Boechler of Alberta. The Fair Play Pin from the Northwest Territories was awarded to the Ice Technicians at the Canada Games Centre for their dedicated work throughout the competition.

For more than half of the speed skaters, these Arctic Winter Games were a memorable first experience, with many forming new friendships across the circumpolar North.

Coaches also brought athletes together for a combined multi-contingent practice on Wednesday’s non-race day, creating a fun and encouraging training environment filled with plenty of smiles.

Speed skating continues to be a tight-knit community. More than 30 volunteers and officials supported the competition at the Canada Games Centre, including ISU and National level officials from across the circumpolar North, along with former Arctic Winter Games athletes, coaches, alumni parents, and families of current competitors.

Younger siblings who also speed skate were track-side helping as runners and Ulu celebration flag bearers, watching wide-eyed and enthusiastically, dreaming of the day it will be their turn to show everyone what they’re made of.

Ulu News Volunteer Candace Boechler

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