St. Gelais settles for fourth at world short-track championships

Canadian speed skater Marianne St. Gelais settled for a fourth-place finish at the world short-track championships on Saturday.

St. Gelais, from St. Felicien, Que., trailed Meng Wang of China from the start and had a good gap on the other two skaters. However, the Canadian caught an edge and fell as she entered the first corner on the last lap.

"I didn't think anyone would try a pass because the race was fast with Meng Wang in front," St. Gelais said. "I don't know what happened. I lost my edge with my right skate and I had no chance to come back.

"I made them a gift [by falling to fourth]. In my heart I was second."

Wang won the gold medal, Seung-Hi Park of South Korea took silver and Kexin Fan of China picked up the bronze.

It was a disappointing day for the Canadians in the men's 500 metres.

Charles Hamelin of Sainte-Julie, Que., Michael Gilday of Yellowknife and Olivier Jean of Lachenaie, Que., were each penalized in their respective quarter-final heats. With the infractions, Jean was awarded 13th place, Gilday took 14th and Hamelin was 16th.

The men's relay team advanced to Sunday's final against South Korea, the Netherlands and Russia.

Hamelin, Gilday and Jean teamed up with Charle Cournoyer of Boucherville, Que., to take second place in the semifinals behind South Korea.