PG Blizzard Welcome Speed Skating Coach

By Kelly Sharp

        Li JiaJun five-time Olympic Medalist joins PG Blizzard Club

The speed skating world is well aware of the world-class talent who will call Prince George home for the next six months. Li JiaJun skated short track for China in four Olympics, capturing five medals. His medal chase at world championships totaled sixteen including a pair of world titles. Yes, the people in the know about the sport of speed skating are envious that the Prince George Blizzard Speed Skating Club could attract such an elite athlete turned coach.

The 31 year-old Li Jia Jun, arrived in snowy Prince George eager to earn his coaching accreditation from Speed Skating Canada and to learn English. Li will provide his speed skating knowledge to the Blizzard club for six months. Speaking through a translator, Li noted he enjoyed working with kids and providing encouragement. He stressed learning the proper base training is so important for the young skater.

The Chinese sports system recognized Li Jia Jun’s natural skating ability when he was only seven years of age. With the help of his parents Li attended a near-by sports academy where he began to learn his craft. Ten years later, Lia Jia Jun was onto Beijing China as an athlete on the Chinese national team.

Debby Fisher of the Olympic oval program in Calgary and a coach with the Northern B.C. regional training centre is quick to applaud Li’s arrival in Prince George. Adding just watching how he glides around the ice is a valuable lesson for the young speed skater.

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