Ponoka speed skater Maddison Pearman has already been selected to represent Alberta at the Canada Winter Games, but she is setting her sights on the world trials.
Even if she isn’t selected as a member of Canada team, Pearman will still head to Canada’s Winter Games in Prince George, B.C. from Feb. 13 to March 1, as she is ranked first in Alberta.
Her goal is to land one of the five spots on the junior world team that will take her to Warsaw, Poland for the Junior World Speed Skating Championship on Feb. 20 to 22, the same time as the Canada Winter Games. If she does well at the world trials, Pearman says she will travel to Poland.
World trials are set for Jan. 23 to 25 in Quebec City, Que., explained Pearman who says she is excited to be a part of either competition. “Anything can happen. Anyone can skate well.”
Last year an injury delayed Pearman’s season and she did not qualify for the junior national team. There are five positions: two all-round racers, two sprint racers and one spot is discretionary for the coaches. Pearman feels she best fits in the all-round position.
“I’m all around but I’m leaning toward the middle distances (1,000m or 1,500m),” said Pearman.
Competing in Quebec City will determine if she makes a spot on the national team. Training for the junior world trials is intense and Pearman is getting solid workouts from her coach Brock Miron. “Basically I’m training from May to March,” Pearman said.
“It’s helping you at the end of the season,” she added.
Staying in shape throughout the year helps with her stamina as the season goes forward. “You have to have the summer training and have that cardio.”
Competing in Quebec City will be an interesting challenge, says Pearman, as the rink they race on is outside and exposed to the elements.