Picton Skater Leads Quinte Blades to Strong Showing and Provincial Qualification

Athletes from the Quinte Blades Speed Skating Club delivered an impressive performance at a recent competition in Milton, earning personal bests and securing spots at the upcoming provincial championships.

Among the standout competitors was Picton’s Kim Pothier, who dominated her events with first-place finishes in both the 333-metre and 1,000-metre races, while also claiming second in the 500 metres. Her results helped highlight a successful outing for the club’s Special Olympics team.

Pothier was joined by several teammates who also posted strong results. Adam James captured top finishes in the 500, 777, and 1,500 metres, along with a second-place result in the 1,000. Kai Freeland added a win in the 777 metres, plus second in the 333 and third-place finishes in both the 500 and 1,000 events. Nicole Ferguson consistently reached the podium as well, placing second in the 222, 333, and 777-metre races.

The Quinte Blades organization continues to play a key role in developing speed skating talent across the region. As the only club in the area affiliated with both the Ontario Speed Skating Association and Speed Skate Canada, it provides training opportunities for athletes of all ages and skill levels, including those involved in Special Olympics programming.

Younger skaters and newcomers to the sport also made their mark at recent events. At a regional meet in Ottawa, siblings John and Olive Blair represented the club in a development-focused race circuit designed to introduce athletes to competition while building skills and teamwork.

Meanwhile, veteran skater Ben Young achieved podium success across multiple events, earning gold in the Masters division at a provincial long track championship and helping the team secure silver at an eastern regional short track competition. Fellow Masters competitor Justin Hanley also impressed in his debut, recording four personal best times.

Additional strong performances came from the club’s youth division, where Olivia Grace Erdogan qualified for a relay event, and Ellery Wollerman and Vivian Walsh each recorded new personal bests in their respective races.

With multiple athletes now qualified, the Quinte Blades will be well represented at the provincial championships next month, capping off a season marked by steady improvement and competitive success.