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Ninth-place finish highlights Roger’s performance at 2020 FISU World University Speed Skating Championship

U SPORTS Staff

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Antoine Roger, an economics student from Université Laval, recorded a ninth-place finish in the men’s 500m, highlighting a three-event performance at the 2020 FISU World University Speed Skating Championship in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Roger, a Quebec City native, recorded a time of 37.69s in the 500m race against Russia’s Sergej Loginov. He also finished 11th in the men’s 1000m and 18th in the men’s 1,500m.

The final day of the competition, in which Roger was to compete in the men’s mass start was cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

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Credit: FISU

Roger was the first Canadian to participate in FISU speed skating since the 2015 World University Games, and the first Canadian to compete at the FISU World University Championship event during its fifth edition this year.

The event was held at the legendary outdoor Jaap Eden ice rink, which opened in 1961 and featured 70 skaters from 16 different countries.

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Credit: FISU

"Skating in the Netherlands on the oldest (artificial) rink in the world was really special,” said Roger. “In terms of results, I am satisfied with my 500m and 1000m (performances). We had particularly difficult conditions, with a lot of wind and sometimes rain, but it's part of the game when we skate outside! There were some very good skaters and it was fun to compete with them.”

Canada has a rich history in university-level short track speed skating, winning a combined 41 medals (eight gold, 18 silver, 15 bronze) at the FISU Winter World University Games since the sport made its debut in 1985.

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Credit: FISU

2020 FISU World University Speed Skating Championship Results – Antoine Roger

Date Event Result Time (s) Opponent (Country)
Mar. 10 Men’s 500m 9th 37.69 Sergej Loginov (RUS)
Mar. 11 Men’s 1500m 18th 2:02.29 Viktor Lobas (RUS)
Mar. 12 Men’s 1000m 11th 1:15.79 Antero Eskola (FIN)
Mar. 13 Men’s Mass Start Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic

Full Results