NEW PERSONAL BEST 5000M FOR CLARA HUGHES-THE CONTINENTAL SPEED SKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS WRAP UP IN CALGARY, ALBERTA
Canadian women dominated American competitors this weekend at The Continental Speed Skating Championships, winning the top four overall spots, with Christine Nesbitt, from London, Ont., second overall, Kristina Groves, from Ottawa, Ont., third, and Clara Hughes, from Glen Sutton, Quebec, fourth.
In today’s 1,500 and 5,000 metre races, Nesbitt was first in the 1,500 in 1:55.32, Klassen was second in 1:56.23 and Groves was third in 1:58.10. Clara Hughes, the Olympic gold medalist in the 5,000, was first in the distance with the only time under seven minutes, and a new personal best of 6:53.04. Her previous time was set almost six years ago at the Salt Lake City Olympics. Klassen was second again in 7:02.97 and American Catherine Raney was third in 7:05.45.
The 5,000 metres was the only distance to have an American woman break the top three.
Full results can be found at The Olympic Oval
