SHORT TRACK: Deanna Lockett has made a positive start to the 2016/2017 World Cup season, with two finals performances in Calgary, Canada.
Lockett qualified for the final rounds in both the 1500m and 1000m distances, advancing through the heat stage in second place.
Her first semi-final came in the 1500m distance where she missed out by one place on qualifying for the A-final. Unfortunately, Lockett drew a penalty in the B-final, resulting in a finishing place of 12th.
In the 1000m quarterfinal, Lockett crossed the line in fifth position, giving her a final result of 18th place.
After the race, Lockett was happy to be back competing.
“It was a good first competition, I'm feeling really strong physically and came into this weekend to work on my skills and race strategies.“
“Overall it’s still a work in progress and we're building up for a strong season. There are some positives I'm taking out of the weekend.”
Andy Jung also advanced through to the quarter final stage of the 500m, finishing in 18th place. The result sees Jung match his previous best World Cup performance, which he also achieved in Canada, on the other side of the Country in Montreal.
Jung was also satisfied with his start to the season.
“I felt strong in both my 500 and 1000m races. My highest placing came in the 500m, but I also skated really well in the 1000, but unfortunately picked up a penalty on the line which would've sent me through to the next round.”
“There were a few areas that I could have skated better, so I’m really looking forward to World Cup two in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, next week to build on my performances from Calgary.
Other Olympic Winter Institute of Australia athlete performances included Pierre Boda placing 36th in both the 500m and 1000m, Alex Bryant finished in 42nd place in the 1500m and 46th in the second 500m.
Also competing in Salt Lakce City where Australian Ice Racing athletes Simon Francis and Luke Cullen. Francis finished in 43rd and 47th in the 500m distances with Cullen 40th in the 1500m.
The athletes now head to Salt Lake City, UT, USA, for the second World Cup event of the season.
OWIA
