Richmond ice skaters from the Connaught Skating Club took home the entire podium in the novice men category last week.
David Li, Neo Tran and Tehryn Lee received their gold, silver and bronze medals, respectively, at the BC & Yukon Provincial Championships in Parksville.
Li, who landed six triple jumps in his long program, was also awarded the Bev Porter Award for being most artistic in the novice men category.
According to the club’s coach and director, Keegan Murphy, it is a remarkable feat to have one club sweeping the podium and a first for the Connaught Skating Club at the provincial level.
“We try not to fixate on the results, but all three boys skated amazingly and we would’ve been proud of them regardless,” said Murphy.
“Seeing them reach the podium together was just the icing on the cake.”
Meanwhile, Ava Cheung, Jaslynn Wong and Effie Li placed second, third and third, respectively, in two pre-juvenile ladies events — a category for those ages 10 and under.
All three did amazing for their first step into a provincial competition, Murphy said.
He added that the club was well-prepared for the provincial championships as it knew this would be the first B.C. competition to be judged live in the rink since the pandemic.
“There was a bit more energy from the audience; there was clapping, cheering and the kids knew their moms and dads were watching,” said Murphy.
“All the kids were looking forward to performing for their families and judges because the virtual environment we’ve been surviving during the last year and a half was getting really old.”
The club's athletes won a total of 15 medals with 11 skaters heading to the Skate Canada Challenge.
Li, Tran and Lee are heading together to the Skate Canada Challenge in Regina, Sask. from Dec. 1 to 5 where the top 18 skaters will be able to qualify for the Canadian championships in January.
