Sports

Canadian speed skater Jackie Humber.

Photo courtesy Jackie Humber

Richmond speed skater wins three medals

By Samuel Cheng

Published 12:10 PDT, Fri September 1, 2023

Last Updated: 4:26 PDT, Mon September 18, 2023

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Masters International Short Track Games (MIST) is an international competition for short track athletes around the world ages 30 and above. Passionate short track skaters meet up and come together to compete and enjoy the love of the sport. The MIST Games is held every two years in various cities around the world. The 2023 MIST Games was held in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Jackie Humber, a resident living in Richmond recently secured three bronze medals for Canada, in the 500 metres, 777 metres and 1000 metres race in women’s division age 55 to 59. In the 1000 metres race she set a new personal record of 2 minutes 10 seconds by beating her previous record by more than two seconds.

Humber is currently a member of the Langley Blades Skating Club and the Vancouver Velocity Club. She skates twice a week with Julian Green at the Langley Blades Skating Club, who was previously a British Olympian speed skater. Additionally, she also trains with Coach Jasmine Chase once a week at the Vancouver Velocity Club. On top of it all, Humber also jogs and weightlifts at Thompson Community Centre as part of her training routines.

The 2022 MIST Games in Calgary, which had been rescheduled due to the pandemic, was Humber’s first appearance at an international competition. She was encouraged to attend and compete by a fellow member of the British team. When sharing what it is like to compete in the 2023 MIST Games, she said it was an exhilarating experience.

“Skating in Amsterdam was like a dream,” says Humber. “The people of Amsterdam left a great impression on me as they seem to have a real joy for life while embracing diversity.”

Humber shares several tips for younger athletes that are looking to partake in sports, whether for leisure purposes or professionally. Humber encourages individuals, children, or adults to try out different sports and activities to find the one that you would enjoy the most.

People will be able to find more information related to sports, including speed skating on sportbc.com

As for Humber, she keeps a journal documenting and setting small attainable goals that builds towards a bigger goal down the road.

“I train even on days I feel like doing something else, because that is when an athlete trains,” said Humber. Perseverance and persistence go a long way in keeping motivated. “Training with others is helpful for keeping you motivated.”

Humber attributes her success to her wonderful team of coaches and trainers. Also, Richmond business Herbaland played a huge role in supporting Humber throughout her trip to compete in 2023 MIST in Amsterdam.

With January 2024 just around the corner, Humber hopes to attend the Winter World Master Games (WWMG) in Lombardy, Italy as well as the 2025 MIST Games which are expected to be hosted in Drummondville, Quebec. Be sure to cheer her on.

For more information about MIST, visit facebook.com/MISTGames/