Fast was fun for County speed skating competitor in provincial event

The County’s Alex Caulfield (center back row) with his teammates.

Fast was not only fun, but rewarding for the County’s Alex Caulfield, who set two personal best records and finished seventh overall at Provincial Regional Championship.

He was among five members of the Quinte Blades Speed Skating Club who travelled to London last weekend to participate in the Provincial B and C Championships with nearly 200 skaters from across the province.

Caulfield and Ethan Taylor skated in the very competitive open division, said Laura Woodall, of the Quinte Blades club.

“Alex, who was racing in only his second meet ever, showed a great deal of tenacity as he skated to two personal bests and a very respectable seventh place. Ethan skated to a personal best in the 1000m and in the final race of the day, finished first and earned another personal best in the 500m.”

Brian Hoffman, 12, lead all of the Quinte skaters, finishing the meet with a bronze medal for his group.

“He demonstrated excellent passing skills, persistence and good decision making in his races. Brian surprised his competition with his inspired racing. He had a personal best time in each of his seven races and received cheers from the crowd with his impressive double inside pass on the last lap of the 1500m super final to secure third place.”

The Blades’ lone female competitor was nine-year-old Annabella Finnan who skated to a personal best time in the 600m. Rounding out the team was eight-year-old Kevin Hoffman who skated to a five second improvement in the 400m heat.

The Blades will be travelling to Milton in April to participate in the Relay Challenge.