In Canada, Quebec has a history of producing top short track speed skaters who shine on the Olympic and world stage. One of the biggest names to come from the province is five-time Olympic medallist Charles Hamelin, a hero to Félix Pigeon, who hopes to follow in Hamelin’s footsteps at elite international level, starting with the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Lausanne 2020!

In Canada, Quebec has a history of producing top short track speed skaters who shine on the Olympic and world stage. One of the biggest names to come from the province is five-time Olympic medallist Charles Hamelin, a hero to Félix Pigeon, who hopes to follow in Hamelin’s footsteps at elite international level, starting with the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Lausanne 2020!

Charles Hamelin - 2006 Turin and 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games

Today, we are celebrating the anniversary of the first gold medal given at the Olympic Winter Games on the morning of 26 January 1924 in Chamonix – for the 500m speed skating event, won against all expectations by the American from Lake Placid, Charles Jewtraw. Here is the first page in the record book containing the Olympic exploits accomplished over almost a century on the snow and ice.

Charles Hamelin competing at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games. Copyright : 2010 / IOC / John HUET - All rights reserved.

Charles Hamelin of Canada celebrates with Marianne St-Gelais after wiining the Short Track Men's 1500m Final.

Charles Hamelin of Canada celebrates after winning the Short Track Men's 1500m Final.

Charles Hamelin of Canada celebrates during the medal ceremony for the Men’s 1500m Short Track Speed Skating

Charles Hamelin competing Short Track Speed Skating 500m Men at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games. © 2010/ IOC/John Huet - All rights reserved.