HALIFAX (CNB) – New Brunswick speed skaters were the first off the mark on Monday, Feb. 14 as they won Team New Brunswick's first medals at the Canada Winter Games in Halifax, N.S.
Andrew Evans (Fredericton) and Evan Brideau (Keswick Ridge) finished second and third, in the men’s 500 m speed skating in St. Margarets.
“I feel really good,” said 17-year-old Evans following the race. “This silver medal is great. I did not expect to win a medal in this category because of my slow start. I had a start default and a second one disqualifies you, so I was prudent.
"I had as my objective to race in the A final after finishing second in the semi-final," he said. "I am very excited.
During the race, Evan Brideau took off quickly and I was able to get to second spot after two laps without being able to get at the first position. The fact of winning a medal is not yet set in my mind. I am happy to have won NB’s first medal. I hope we will be able to win another medal in the 3,000m race final later this week. I did finish fourth yesterday (Sunday) in the 1,500 m that is my preferred distance.”
Bronze medalist Brideau, 18, said it was an incredible moment to win a medal.
“I met my objective to win a medal,” said Brideau.“I cannot describe how excited I am. I was the first at the start and ended up fourth. The guy that passed me last pushed me as he passed and was disqualified and I finished third and got the medal. It’s an incredible feeling.”
14-02-11
