SUBSCRIBE: Missing news on social media? Subscribe to CHAT News Today's DAILY newsletter and stay up to date with your city.

Speed skating phenoms rising up the national rankings

Mar 15, 2017 | 5:09 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — They’re not hunting down a record time, nor are they dead set on winning the gold, but Jacob Krueger and Laura Ebel continue to make impressive strides in the national speed skating scene.

The two 15-year-old local skaters are practicing up for the Canada West Short-Track Championships this weekend. Only the top four from each Alberta T2T age category qualify for the highly prestigious event.

But rather than eyeing down a podium finish, both young Hatter’s agree their biggest competition is themselves.

“My current goal is to get a new (personal best) 200 meter time and 3000 time,” said Krueger, noting he’s shaved off close to 30 seconds in his long distance events this season. “Right now my current 200 is at about 20 seconds… I can push myself a lot harder. I think with the extra competition (this weekend) at a higher level it should push me to my higher goals.”

Ebel preaches a similar message when discussing her expectations for this weekend.

“I know a lot of the skaters I’m skating against,’ she said. “I like how they skate. I’ve been working a lot on my technique, so hopefully I’ll improve and get my times down a little bit.”

Both skaters are amidst breakout years with the Medicine Hat Speed Skating Club. Krueger represented Alberta at the National Age-Group Long Track Championships in Edmonton last month. The Crescent Heights student finished 16th, one spot back of teammate Kaeden Witkowski.

“This year I’ve been working a lot harder on perfecting my form,” he added. “I’ve been training much harder in the summer than any other year. I have a drive to do better and I want to catch up to those at the top of my age and even pass them.”

Ebel’s resume this season is just as impressive. The young skater currently sits first in the Alberta T2T 14 category, essentially placing her on top of the provincial standings. 

“As I’ve started up with the next level of skating in junior, I’ve been focusing a lot on getting my times up, and I’ve made the provincial development team,” she added with a gleaming smile.

Both skaters will take the start line in Saskatoon, SK for the Canada West Short-Track Championships on March 17 and 18.