Canadian Speed Skating: The French Family Connection

On our first night in the Athlete’s Family Hospitality Suite, we had the pleasure of talking with the families of three of our short track speed skaters. All of the families are French speakers so we did our best with what French skills we have.

First a little about the suite itself. It is a very nice “oasis” for the families to have a bite to eat and meet other families and share their Olympic Experience. I got a picture of me with Quatchi (separated at birth?). But I thought the best part was the messages for our Canadian athletes from elementary school children.

The first person we met was Martine Simard, the mother of Valérie Maltais who is a short track speed skater competing in the 500m, 1000m, 1500m and the relay. Valérie first started figure skating as a child but found her calling as an Olympian in short track speed skating, starting to speed skate at 6 years old. She competes as a member of her hometown (Le Baie) club - Les F18 de La Baie and at 20 years old is likely to compete in future Olympics for Canada.

Martine said that she first knew that Valérie was special when she started to get stressed and butterflies in her stomach at Valérie's competitions as she rose through the junior ranks and started standing on the podium.

Martine’s game day routine includes always sitting at the same place rink-side to cheer on Valérie.

Sitting at the same table were the parents of François and Charles Hamelin: Manon Goulet and Yves Hamelin.

Charles finished 4th at the 2006 Winter Games in the 1500m event and received a silver medal as part of the men's 5000m relay squad. He is the current world record holder in the 1000m so he should be considered a multiple medal threat.

Francois, the younger Hamelin brother, briefly held the world record for 500m in the Fall of 2007 (later in the season it was broken). He also competes at the 1000m, 1500m and is a key member of the relay team.

Speed skating is obviously a family affair for the Hamelins, who compete out of Montreal, as their father, Yves, is also the director of the Canadian short track program.

Manon said the first time she knew they were particularly special was when Charles called to say that he had made the Canadian Olympic team for Torino.

I asked her if the boys have any special preparations for their races. She said that Charles likes to listen to music. Depending on his mood, and I assume what energy he needs for the race, the music can range from Classical to Rock and Roll. For Francois he is a bit more superstitious as he always ties his left skate first then the right.

Both families were very appreciative of the Petro-Canada Athlete’s Family program and the opportunity for all of them to be at the rink cheering on their respective daughter and sons to (we hope!) a podium finish.

Merci beaucoup Martine, Manon et Yves. Et Bonne Chance!