Tim Hempsall mingled with some of the best short track speed skaters in the country. He also did a good job keeping up with them.
Hempsall, a Prince George product who now lives and trains in Calgary, was in fast-forward mode at the junior national short track championships in Chicoutimi, Que., on the weekend. In a field of 32 skaters, he placed 26th overall.
Hempsall, an 18-year-old who developed his skills as a member of the Prince George Blizzard Speed Skating Club, was the top B.C. athlete at nationals. He competed in races that covered 500 metres, 1,000m and 1,500m.
The top five finishers (four from Quebec and one from Ontario) made Team Canada for the world junior championships, Feb. 25-27 in Italy.
Hempsall will be back on his blades this coming weekend in Sherbrooke, Que., for more national races. He has already earned a Team B.C. spot for the 2011 Canada Winter Games, February 11-27 in Halifax.
