Nathalie Lambert Appointed to ISU Short Track Technical Committee
Nathalie Lambert, three-time Olympic medallist and Canada’s Chef de Mission for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, has been appointed to the International Skating Union (ISU) Short Track Technical Committee. She is the first woman member of an ISU speed skating technical committee.
“I’m really happy about this nomination to the Short Track Technical Committee,” explained Lambert. “It will allow me to not only stay involved with the sport that has been front and center in my life for a long time, but also to contribute to its growth. I’m proud to represent SSC on the international stage, this is a great honour for me.”
Nathalie Lambert represented Canada as a short track skater from the mid 80s to 1998, winning three Olympic medals and many more at World Championships and World Cup events. She retired from competition in 1997 but remained deeply involved in the world of amateur sport, both with SSC and the Canadian Olympic Committee. She was Assistant Chef de Mission for the 2004 Athens Olympics, and most recently was Chef de Mission for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. She was inducted inot the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame in 1992, the Québec Sports Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.
The ISU Short Track Technical Committee comprises four elected members, including the Chair, Andy Gabel, and two appointed members – a coach’s representative and a skater’s representative. It is responsible to ensure the technical rules stay current with the development of the sport, encourage development of short track in countries where it is currently not well developed, and ensure all athletes get to compete safely while offering the best show possible to spectators around the world. Nathalie Lambert has been appointed coach’s representative for a four year mandate.
“Nathalie will be an excellent contributor to the Technical Committee,” said SSC President Marie-Claire Rouleau. “She has been involved in sports for decades and brings a wide and diversified experience in speed skating.SSC has been promoting candidacies to different ISU positions and particularly wanted ensure Canadian representation on this committee, following the end of Mathieu Turcotte’s term as appointed skater (2006-2010). The appointment of Nathalie is excellent news – it ensures our representation at the international level. Nathalie will be able to contribute her experience of a woman, a skater and a coach to the committee.”
