In a surprising turn of events, Steven Dubois faced an early exit from the 1000m short track speed skating qualifiers at the Olympics. Dubois, the reigning world champion, was involved in a collision during his preliminary heat. This incident caused him to fall, preventing him from continuing in the race.
Incident Overview
Dubois attempted an inside pass while racing mid-pack when he collided with British skater Niall Treacy. Both athletes fell as a result of the contact. After reviewing the incident, race officials concluded that there was “shared responsibility” for the fall, leading to both competitors being disqualified from the heat.
Board of Reactions
Despite the setback, Dubois maintained a composed demeanor, smiling as he awaited the decision. This incident marks a stark contrast to his successful past, including three medals earned at the Beijing Olympics.
Canadian Success in the Qualifiers
On a brighter note, Dubois’s teammates William Dandjinou and Félix Roussel advanced smoothly to the quarter-finals scheduled for Thursday at 14:28.
William Dandjinou’s Performance
- Dandjinou displayed remarkable skill, initially placing second and then third before overtaking the competitors.
- He finished the race in a swift 1 minute and 24.672 seconds.
Félix Roussel’s Olympic Debut
This race marked the first Olympic competition for 24-year-old Roussel. He also performed well, finishing ahead of his rivals after starting in second and third place during earlier laps.
Women’s Quarter-Finalists
Earlier in the day, three Canadian women successfully qualified for their own quarter-finals. Notably, Courtney Sarault and Kim Boutin, a four-time Olympic medalist, won their respective heats.
- Florence Brunelle secured a second-place finish to join her teammates.
Upcoming Events
The women’s quarter-finals are set for Thursday at 14:15, followed closely by the semi-finals and finals later in the day. Additionally, the mixed relay event will take place as part of the same session.
