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Scott makes memories in Beijing

As part of the Canadian Olympic team, speed skater Alexa Scott made a great showing.
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Alexa Scott, pleased with her performance.

Alexa Scott departed Beijing with a great memory of her Winter Olympics debut.

The former Virden resident placed 12th last week in the women’s 1,000m speed skating event. The daughter of Virden’s Judy and Malcolm Scott was the top Canadian in that long track event with a time of 1:15.79.

“I had a great race, so I feel very grateful to be able to remember the race itself as a positive experience,” Alexa Scott said of her Feb. 17 skate.

At just 20 years old, Scott originally thought her Olympic debut would take place on ice in Italy at Milano Cortina 2026. However, at the Canadian championships, the neo senior category eligible skater secured a spot to compete at the senior World Cup level. There Scott earned the opportunity to skate in Beijing, where she was the youngest member of Canada’s speed skating contingent.

Back home in Virden, her parents watched her take to the Olympic ice. With foreign spectators not being allowed, they had to view their daughter’s accomplishment at home. However, her father, Malcolm said, “With the amazing (TV) coverage of each event we were able to watch on the big screen. The 2:30 a.m. start was rather early but absolutely worth getting up to watch live. Best part is we can go back and watch it again.” They certainly enjoyed what they saw.

“When she went to the start line, we were in awe she was actually at the Olympics,” Malcolm said. “We knew she was going to have a great race by how relaxed she looked at the start and she seemed in control.

“Our emotions were running high as we watched her keep building speed and when she crossed the finish line and saw how excited she was with her results, it was an unbelievable feeling. For her to have finished 12th at her age is an amazing accomplishment for her first Olympics.”

Cheering Alexa Scott on from in front of TV and computer screens were not only her parents but countless family, friends, and Virden area residents. Scott lived in Virden until she was 10. The family moved to Clandeboye at that time. Her parents returned to Virden last year. The day before her race, a group of supporters drove around Virden. Many current and former area residents shared best wishes on social media.

“The support from Virden and all of Manitoba was amazing,” Alexa said. “I love seeing everyone's supportive messages.”

At the Olympics, Scott served as the alternate, the fourth skater, for Canada’s three-person team pursuit squad. The team of Isabelle Weidemann, Ivanie Blondin and Valérie Maltais set an Olympic record while winning gold. On the TV coverage, Scott could be seen enthusiastically cheering on and congratulating her teammates.

“I was super happy for the girls.” Scott trains in Calgary. “I know the countless hours and struggles they had been through to achieve that victory, so it was very exciting.”

She attended the Olympic Games closing ceremonies. Wiedemann, a close friend of Scott’s, was chosen to carry the Canadian flag at the Olympic Games closing ceremonies. Scott said it “was very exciting for all of us.”

“I enjoyed the atmosphere of the Games, having all the athletes from the other sports was very fun,” she said.

Scott took up speed skating at the age of nine. Between then and now, there has been plenty of effort and perspiration.

“Getting to the Olympics has always been a dream of Alexa’s and through hard work and dedication she made it happen and even one Olympics ahead of her goal,” Malcolm Scott said. “She is proof that if you have these goals in mind, just go for it and make it happen.”

 

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