Why François-Louis Tremblay’s skates will be tough to fill
Five Olympic medals. Three Olympic Winter Games. A strategic leader. A champion.
After François-Louis Tremblay officially hung up his short-track blades today during an announcement at the at the Maurice-Richard Arena in Montreal, Canada was left with some very important skates to fill.
Tied with fellow short track speed skater Marc Gagnon and runner Phil Edwards with five medals in three Olympic appearances, FLT is one of Canada’s three most decorated male Olympians.
But that’s just what you see on his resume.
In Salt Lake City, Tremblay was the youngest member of men’s short-track team. In Vancouver, he was the oldest. His experience as an Olympian has given the sport of short track speed skating in this country true substance. More importantly, his contribution as a teammate has laid a foundation for more success.
Tremblay anchored the 5000m gold medal winning relay team that executed the famous strategy called “Operation Cobra” in Vancouver. The move gave the anchor skater (Tremblay) an extended period of rest before skating the last two laps.
It was a magic moment for Canada.
Tremblay had previously won silvers in the 500m and 5000m relay at Turin 2006 as well as gold in the 5000m relay at Salt Lake City 2002.
Canada’s future on the field of play is more promising because of what Tremblay was able to accomplish during his incredible career.
