Speedskating-online

After qualifying for three Olympic distances by skating to bronze medals in the 500m, 1000m and 1500m at the Canadian Single Distances Championships/Olympic Trials, Kyle Parrott will be busy at what will be his first Olympics. Especially his 1500m qualification may have come as a surprise, possibly to himself included, since it’s not a distance he frequently races. Moreover, he had been sick ever since before his 1000m at the Olympic Trials, and consequently was not planning on racing it in the first place. However, by skating the 1500m after all and qualifying, he not only did himself a favor, but he also helped out teammate and friend Jamie Gregg. With the Olympics only a few weeks away, Parrott reflects on his season thus far and looks forward to the most important event of the season, that will take place just minutes from his condo in Richmond.

By Jolanda Abbes

How do you look back on the first half of your season, and what would you consider to be the highlight?

“I am very pleased with how the first half of the season has gone. I typically get faster as the season goes on and so far that seems to be the case this year as well. I would have to say the highlight of my season so far was my 35.05 in the 500m at Fall World Cup Trials in Richmond. Probably the best race of my career so far.”

How do you look back on your 500m and 1000m at the Canadian Single Distances Championships?
“I was quite nervous for the first 500m, so I was a bit tight and nervous especially heading into the second inner corner. After I got the nerves out, I got into a good groove and the whole week flew by.”

You also qualified for the Olympic 1500m, which may have come as somewhat of a surprise to some: how do you look back on that race?
“Honestly, I didn't think the 1500m would go as well as it did. I used to focus primarily on the 1500m, so I know the race pretty well, but I had only raced two or three in the last couple of years. Actually, I wasn't going to race the 1500m at first. I got sick right before the 1000m and was feeling run down, so I decided I wouldn't race it. But when I heard that my teammate and friend Jamie Gregg possibly wouldn't get to go to the Games if I didn't qualify for the 1500m as well, I quickly changed my mind. Fortunately I felt a lot better by the time the race started and it went well.”

Podium 1500m Olympic Trials

You will also skate the Olympic Team Pursuit: can you elaborate on that?
“Yes, I have decided to try the Team Pursuit. It will be very interesting. I have a few training sessions between now and the Olympics, so I still have to see if I am fit enough, but I will give it my best effort.”

How do you look forward to your first Olympic experiences?
“I'm not completely sure what to expect at the Games, but I'm looking forward to having my family there to watch what will most certainly be the most important event of my life.”

Who would you consider to be the greatest Olympic speed skater ever?
“I don't really believe in saying someone is a great Olympic speed skater, as it is only one event. Everyone has good and bad days, so it is quite difficult to pinpoint a great skater off of one competition. Despite that, I have to say Johann Olav Koss, because he took his fantastic performances and used them to start a great organization, Right to Play.”

How do you look forward to the fact that the Olympics will practically be in your own backyard? Does that fact create extra pressure or do you think it will give the Canadian athletes a significant home advantage?
“I can't speak for everyone, but for me it is a great advantage, because I own a condo really close to the oval and I love to have my family come and watch me skate. I do feel some pressure, but historically I race considerably better in those situations. If the pressure ever gets to be too much, I just remind myself that a 500m never changes. It's always 500m, three straights and two turns. Same goes for the 1000m and 1500m.”

Can you describe what the Olympics mean to you?
“Another chance to race, except this time more people will be watching. I think it's different for the public than the athletes.”

Photo credits:

Photo 1 and 3: DESGphoto/Lars Hagen

Photo 2: Jenn Lee