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 Speed Skating Canada
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Date of Birth: 28/07/71 |
Place of Birth: Windsor, PQ |
Residence: Rock Forest, PQ |
Height: 5'4" |
Weight: 135 lbs |
Years on National Team: 15 |
Annie Perreault produced one of the most exciting moments for Canada at the 1998 Winter Olympics when she won the gold medal in the
women's 500-metres in short track speed skating. Since then, Perreault's career has plunged to its lowest depths then risen again to new levels.
Unfortunately it appears Perreault won't be able to race her best event at the Games. She placed third overall in the 500 at the Olympic trials
and the top-two qualify. However the International Skating Union is still debating the exact policies in terms of race selections for the individual
events.
Perreault, also a bronze medallist in the women's relay at Nagano and an Olympic champion in the relay at Albertville in 1992, saw her career
nearly end last season at a World Cup in Japan. She was cut on the leg by an opponent's skate in a pile up. She underwent emergency surgery
and missed the rest of the season. However she has made a remarkable recovery and was one of three Canadian skaters selected to race at
the Olympic qualifying meet in October which helped Canada earn its Olympic berths for the Games.
"Obviously I can never forget what happened last year," said Perreault. "But when I step on the ice I go out and give it everything I have. I've
worked very hard to get back to this level. The trials didn't finish the way I wanted but I'm not frustrated."
Off the ice Perreault works as an office clerk and owns a gym. She also played soccer in a women's pro league two summers ago. She was
Quebec's athlete of the year in 1998.
2002 Games Short Track Speed Skating Coverage
