‘Best of the best in Ontario’: Elite speedskaters competing in London, Ont. this weekend

The best speedskaters in the province are in London this weekend for a competition. CTV's Brent Lale explains.

The fastest skaters in the province are battling the oval at Western Fair Sports Centre.

“This is the best of the best in Ontario,” said Adam Law, a Team Canada speed skater.

The London Speed Skating Club (LSSC) is hosting a sanctioned Short Track Elite Circuit Saturday and Sunday.

The two-day event is the third competition of the Elite Circuit and will also act as a qualifier for the 2026 Ontario Winter Games.

“It’s definitely competitive today. there’s a guy on the national team that is really quick,” said an exhausted Ben Evel, 17, after his race. “It’s high intensity and I like adrenaline, so, it’s just really fun,” said Ethan Pollock, 16, a member of the LSSC.

Among those showcasing not only the sport, but his speed and skills was Adam Law.

The Mississauga native is a member of Team Canada’s Next Gen Squad who now trains in Montreal. Law was ninth at the recent Olympic Trials.

“I just wanted to come back and help give back to the community that raised me,” said Law. “I started young at like 12 years old, so coming here, I hope to inspire the next generation of skaters.”

The stop on the circuit also included a master’s category. Ed Van Den Dool, 68, of the LSSC can still fly, winning his morning heat Saturday.

“The London club is always looking for new skaters,” said Van Den Dool. “We’ve got 20 or 30 skaters now, but for people that don’t want to do hockey, this is a fabulous sport. It’s great social time and I always say, ‘I’ve never met a speed skater I didn’t like.’”

Speed skating always gains more exposure during an Olympic year. For the LSSC, it’s not only inclusive but challenging.

“We are welcoming new people who want to learn to speed skate in January,” said Susan Scollie, vice president of the LSSC. “Anybody age five and up is welcome to come. People are used to seeing speed skating at the Olympics and that’s what they think speedskating looks like. I coach ages five to 12 and that’s where it it’s best to start. It doesn’t look like it does on TV, but we’ll get you there.”

The competition – which is the best outside of the Olympics and Nationals - runs through Sunday at Western Fair Sports Centre and is free to attend.