British Olympic Association select first Long Track Skater in 30 Years
With just one month to go until the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games, the British Olympic Association (BOA) has today announced the selection of a long track speed skater for the first time since 1992.
Cornelius Kersten will become the first speed skater to represent Team GB in 30 years when he gets on the ice at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing.
His selection comes after a brilliant World Cup series that secured his places in two events at the Games. He became the first British speed skater for 36 years to record a top 10 finish at a World Cup with a ninth place at the Norway leg of the competition in November.
He has repeatedly set personal bests and national records throughout the World Cup series eventually finishing in 11th place overall.
The 27-year-old will make his Olympic debut racing in the 1000m and 1500m.
Kersten, said; “I’m so happy to be selected for Team GB. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my hard work has paid off and it’s going to be an honour to stand on the start line in Beijing. All the pieces have come together this year to make my childhood dream come true.”
Team GB Chef de Mission for Beijing 2022, Georgina Harland, said: “With just one month to go until the Beijing 2022 Opening Ceremony we are thrilled to welcome Cornelius to Team GB. It is incredibly exciting to have him represent Team GB in long track speed skating having not qualified a skater in this discipline since 1992.”
Jon Eley, Performance and Talent Manager at British Ice Skating said: “Cornelius has had an incredible season and his Olympic selection just caps that.
“We’ve got yet another first time Olympian going to the Games, meaning we now have representation in all our ice skating disciplines. It has been three decades since the last long track speed skater wore the Team GB kit and I know Cornelius will go out and race to his potential.
“His World Cup performances showed what he’s capable of and I’m excited to see him skate on a major stage.”