MacLennan breaks Canadian speed skating records

Richard MacLennan took his athletic talents to the national level this past weekend and set new standards at the Canadian Long Track Speed Skating Championships in Saskatoon.

MacLennan broke Canadian records in the 300-metre and 1,500-metre while finishing second overall in the juvenile boys division. MacLennan won gold in the 300-metre final, finished second in the final heat of the 1,500-metre and placed second in the 1,000-metre final.

In the 300-metre, MacLennan, a 13 year-old member of the Sault Speed Skating Club, posted a time of 26.04 seconds, which eclipsed the old mark of 26.21. MacLennan shattered the 1,500-metre record in a time of 2:17.93, ahead of old standard of 2:19.00.

Other locals competitors at the event included Spencer Zettler, who finished eighth overall in the junior men's division, and Kevin Sinclair, who finished 12th overall in the intermediate men's category.

Zettler posted a fifth place effort in the 1,000-metre while Sinclair had two ninth place performances.

*** SHORT TRACK:

Two members of the Sault Speed Skating Club have advanced to the provincial championships after qualifying over the weekend in Belleville.

Chris Biocchi finished sixth overall in the juvenile boys division while Karli Lee also qualified by finishing seventh in juvenile girls.

Other competitors included Chelsey Barrett, who finished 11th overall, and Brittany Hollingsworth, who placed 15th.

The provincial meet is scheduled for Mar. 12-13 in Sudbury.