Ponoka’s Maddison Pearman can check off the World Junior Speed Skating Championships off her list for a second time now after competing in Warsaw, Poland, Feb. 20 to 21.
She and her team represented Canada at the world challenge at a tough competition that saw big improvements in Canada’s overall performance. “I felt like I have a chance of doing well here,” said Pearman.
While she did not receive a medal, Pearman improved her world rank to 14th overall out of about 50 girls, compared to a rank of 18th in 2013 against about 30 other girls.
Time differences are so small that a skater has to work on specific areas to improve their times.
“Any time you compete against world skaters, the times (differences) are so miniscule,” said Pearman.
Being in Warsaw gave her a better understanding of what areas she wants to improve if she is to do well at other world challenges.
“I just have to train harder and train more. Kind of the same path that I’m going on now,” said Pearman.
The Canadian team also showed big improvements with three girls in the top 15 and two boys in the top 10. Pearman feels speed skater development in Canada ramps up when they get to higher levels.