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Speed skater David La Rue won Canada’s second medal on Sunday at the 2023 FISU World University Games. The Laval University student placed third to win the bronze medal in the men’s 1,000m long track speed skating event at the Lake Placid Olympic Oval.

Taking the start in the second to last pairing of his event, the finance student completed the two-and-a-half lapses in 1:12.57, only 19 hundredths of a second behind Kazuya Yamada of Japan, who claimed gold.

LaRue-podium-20230115.jpeg (1.17 MB)(Photo credit: FISU)

“It was a very good race. The level was high today, said La Rue. The Japanese sent their best team, with some who are currently among the Top 5 athletes in the world. I did not know exactly what to expect, but everything went well, and I am very happy with the way the race went.”

It was the first speed skating event at these Games in Lake Placid. The weather cooperated for the first time this week, with an event held under a sunny sky.

“It breaks the ice, added La Rue. The 1,500m event is on the schedule on Tuesday, and it’s one of my favourite races. Of course, this boosts my confidence for the coming races.”

 

Before the 1,500m event, Canadian skaters will be back on the ice on Monday for the women’s 3,000m race and the men’s 5,000m event.

Follow the 2023 FISU Winter Games here. Catch all the action on TSN.ca or on the TSN app.