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 Speed Skating Canada
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Date of Birth: 24/03/73 |
Place of Birth: Charlesbourg, QC |
Residence: Cap-Rouge, QC |
Height: 5'10" |
Weight: 172 lbs |
Years on National Team: 8 |
Patrick Bouchard won't be touted among the medal favorites in long track speed skating. But Bouchard is adamant he can step on the podium in Salt Lake City in the 500 and add a top-10 finish in the 1,000.
"Last year I had some nagging injuries which really slowed me down," said Bouchard, who enjoyed his best season in1997-98 when he placed fifth in the 500 at the Olympics and eighth overall at the world sprint championships. "But this season I've never skated faster. These are my third Olympics and I'm going there to do well."
Bouchard started speed skating at age eighth and was particularly influenced by Gaetan Boucher's double gold performance at the 1984 Olympics. Off the ice he sparkles as well. He holds a degree in engineering and a masters in electrical engineering. And don't get him mad either. He has a black belt in Kung Fu.
What Canada Did
Feb. 16 - Men's 1,000 metres: Patrick Bouchard, Cap-Rouge, Que., was 19th
Feb. 12 - Men's 500 metres: Patrick Bouchard, Cap-Rouge, Que., placed 20th in a field of 38
Feb. 11: Patrick Bouchard, Cap-Rouge, Que., was 20th of 38 competitors in first race qualifying
Patrick Bouchard Pictures
Patrick Bouchard makes a turn
Bouchard powers around a corner
More Patrick Bouchard Stories
Bouchard qualifies for second speed skating event
Bouchard clinches 500-metre Olympic berth
2002 Games Long Track Speed Skating Coverage
