The third ISU Junior World Cup Short Track Speed Skating event of the season took place at the Centre de Glaces Intact Assurance, Quebec City, Canada from 21-23 February – with the next generation of skaters once again showcasing their abilities. 

The Republic of Korea has been dominant at this level for a number of seasons, and at the first two ISU Junior World Cups – both held in November in Bormio, Italy – the likes of Rim Jongun (KOR) and Oh Songmi (KOR) reigned supreme. 

Oh Songmi (KOR) clinches victory in the women's 1500m (2) at the ISU Junior World Cup Speed Skating in Quebec City, Canada © ISU

It was the Asian nation that again prevailed in Quebec – although there was plenty to cheer about for the home crowd, too, especially on Sunday. 

Kim and Rim take the accolades on Day 1

Republic of Korea has been especially good in the young men’s racing this term, and this was showcased in the 1000m final on Saturday, as the nation completed a podium clean sweep. 

Rim Jongun (KOR) takes 1000m gold at the ISU Junior World Cup Speed Skating in Quebec City, Canada © ISU

Rim, brilliant in the opening Junior World Cups in November, put his name up in lights again. He was dynamic and tactically astute as he raced to 1000m gold, showing once again that he looks ready for the senior circuit.

Rim’s compatriots Joo Jaehee (KOR), and Koo Minseung (KOR) took silver and gold respectively. 

(L-R) Joo Jaehee, Rim Jongun, and Koo Minseung (all KOR) swept the men's 1000m at the ISU Junior World Cup Speed Skating in Quebec City, Canada © ISU

In the women’s racing, Kim Minji (KOR) also secured victory for Republic of Korea. A crash earlier in the 1000m final took out Oh, allowing Kim to skate comfortably from the front. 

The local crowd were delighted to see Victoria Jean-Baptiste (CAN), considered one of the finest young Short Trackers in Quebec, keep pace with Kim to secure silver. Panka Nogradi of Hungary secured the bronze. 

(L-R) Victoria Jean-Baptiste (CAN), Kim Minji (KOR), and Panka Nógrádi (HUN) pose with their medals following the women's 1000m in Quebec City, Canada © ISU

In the Mixed Relay, meanwhile, Republic of Korea completed a near-perfect day. Kim and Oh joined forces with the excellent Koo Minseung (KOR) and Park Seojun (KOR) to dominate the race and scoop gold. They beat off Kazakhstan, who got silver, and Canada, who earned bronze.

Three golds for Canada on Day 2   

Rep. Korea continued its dominance on Sunday, winning both the women’s 1500m races: Yu Sumin, who has also been a force this season, triumphed in the first, ahead of Diana Laura Vegi (HUN) and Li Jinzi (CHN).

Yu Sumin (KOR) wins the women's 1500m at the ISU Junior World Cup Speed Skating in Quebec City, Canada © ISU

Korea then backed up their reputation as masters of the most tactical of distances, as Oh, Kang Minji and Kim completed a podium sweep in the 1500m (2), finishing 1-2-3 respectively. These brilliant racers have a similar technique and temperament to their senior compatriots like Kim Gilli (KOR) and Choi Min Jeong (KOR), and will be names to watch in the future.

Oh Songmi (KOR) clinches victory in the women's 1500m (2) in Quebec City, Canada © ISU

Rim and Joo completed Republic of Korea’s medal haul, finishing first and second in the men’s 1500m (2), ahead of Sun Xiao (CHN) in third. 

The other countries, however, would have their say. 

Zhang Bohao (CHN), another racer to have an impressive 2024/25 at this level, won the men’s 1500m (1) ahead of Leon Visser (NED) and Sun Xiao (CHN).

Zhang Bohao (CHN): gold medalist in the men’s 1500m (1) in Quebec City, Canada © ISU

It was the sprints, though, that got the crowd really enthused. 

Canadians are already excited by the potential of Mathieu Pelletier (CAN) – he is the youngest Canadian male Short Tracker to win a medal at a senior World Cup event (he was 16 when he was part of a 2000m Mixed Relay team which claimed bronze in Montreal in 2022).

Earlier this season he broke the junior World Record in the 500m, and here he showed this was no fluke, taking another gold. Kim Minwoo (KOR) took silver and Victor Chartrand (CAN) the bronze. 

Another 500m gold for Mathieu Pelletier (CAN) in Quebec City, Canada © ISU

Jean-Baptiste then sent the crowd wild with a second gold for Canada. She bossed the 500m, winning ahead of Zeinep Kumarkan (KAZ) and Anna Falkowska (POL).

With the Canadian Ice Maples winning the senior ISU Crystal Globe this season, Quebec’s production line of rapid racers doesn’t look like slowing down any time soon. 

Victory for Victoria: Canada's Victoria Jean-Baptiste takes 500m gold in Quebec City, Canada © ISU

China won the 3000m men’s Relay ahead of Netherlands and Rep. Korea, and there was one last hurrah for the Quebec City fans, as Canada took women’s 3000m relay gold, ahead of Rep. Korea and China.

The racers now move on to Calgary for the ISU World Junior Short Track Speed Skating Championships, held 27 February - 2 March.