March 10, 2015, Charlottetown – While his younger short-track teammates were busy turning in their best ever performances at the Canada Winter Games and at other major events this winter, Rob Binns of Stratford was busy doing the same in his Masters age group.
Binns took home the overall bronze medal in short-track at the Winter World Masters Games for 40 to 44 year-old men. Binns was among several Island athletes who competed in the Games held in Quebec City last month. Other Islanders competing included competitors in Biathlon and Women’s Hockey.
The Island skater entered the competition seeded 4th in his age group and turned in his best finish with a second place result in the 1500 metre event. After suffering a fall in the opening turn of the 500 metre A final, Binns rebounded with close battles and 3rd place finishes in both his 1000m event and in the 1500m superfinal to secure the overall bronze medal.
Binns notched personal best times and improved on his own provincial Masters records in both the 1000m and 1500m distances. The Speed Skate PEI member said he was pleased with his results. “I wasn’t entirely happy after finishing my first day with a crash in the 500 final, but was able to put that aside and come back stronger the next day, where I had some of my best races of the season. I was up against some stiff competition and was happy to put in some strong races when I needed to.”
The P.E.I. short-track skater also qualified for the men’s relay final, where he teamed with one American and two Quebec skaters for a second bronze medal.
Binns said he started speed skating four years ago after watching his kids participate for several years. “Getting into speed skating was not something I had ever envisioned, but I love to compete and am hoping I can keep at it for many more years.”
For full meet results and information on Speed Skate PEI, visit www.speedskatepei.com.