Skater overcomes mental health issues

BETTING À DAY

Qualified in all likelihood for the World Junior Long Track Speed ​​Skating Championship, Émilie Greenfield has achieved quite a feat that goes well beyond the sporting framework.

“&nbsp ;I have no words to describe my accomplishment other than I'm really proud, said Friday, the gold medalist of the 3000 m of the Canadian junior championship and fifth in the cumulative ranking. My goal in Canadian Junior was to rediscover the pleasure of skating and to manage my stress. I got my good mood back and I'm back as the clown of the band. ”

Last March, the skater from England who moved to Quebec City at the age of four went through very difficult times that forced her to put her college studies on ice.

“ I consulted for mental health problems, she said. I was in depression because I was unable to manage my stress. I was taken out of school. During my 3000 m race, there were young people present that I coach. My message is that good will happen when you don't let go. It is my greatest pride. »

Bad start

« After the 500 m where I finished in 12th  instead, I said to my mother “we're leaving”, she said. My coach [Marc-André Poudrier-Michaud] brought me to order by telling me that it was not over. »

« At the 1000 m which is not my best race, I was ready. I wasn't even nervous and raced to finish sixth.”

A long-distance specialist, Greenfield finished just off the podium in the 1,500 m, 0.01 s from third place in addition to his gold medal in the 3,000 m. Speed ​​Skating Canada (SPC) will announce the team of five boys and five girls who will travel to Inzell, Germany from February 10-12 to early next week. 

Cloé Jelonek will also get her ticket to the World Juniors. Among the favourites, the daughter of Olympians Gregor Jelonek and Guylaine Dumont finished third in the overall ranking thanks in particular to her silver and bronze medals in the 1000 m and 500 m respectively.

Mission accomplished

“I came close to qualifying last year and I knew I could do it this year, she said. underline. I was aiming for a podium in the cumulative classification. For this first participation in the world juniors, I want to gain experience. I will aim for the results later since I am eligible for two more years. 

“ I am really happy with my championship, added Jelonek. After my sixth place in the 1500 m, I had some doubts, but I finished strong. My last big competition was at the Jeux du Québec. »

The first three skaters de facto get their ticket to the world juniors and we add a short distance specialist for fourth place and long distances for the fifth position.