A bronze medal win by Ottawa-native Kristina Groves is inspiring a new generation of speed skaters who spent the day skating laps around the outdoor oval where Groves spent countless hours training.
"It's incredible. I mean our club's right behind her and everyone's so proud of her and we all know she skated here on this track, that's where she began," said speed skater Jennifer Boyer.
Thousands cheered on as Groves graced the podium following her bronze medal win in the 3,000-metre speed skating race at the Richmond Oval on Sunday.
At the outdoor oval at Brewer Park in Ottawa, amateur skaters wearing their own long blades skated around the same oval Groves once used for training.
"My coach is constantly telling me about her and saying the lesson is to never give up and keep working," said teen Steven Derro.
"She's worker her way all the way up to Olympic glory, so it's quite inspiring to see someone put so much work into something and get something out of it."
Ottawa's speed skating community says Groves' success does wonders for the sport and the city.
"When the media talks a lot about Kristina Groves it becomes front and centre and speed skating just takes on a whole new meaning, especially when she does well in the Olympics," said Leslie Derro, president of the Pacers Speed Skating Club of Ottawa.
Elsewhere in the capital, residents continue to cheer for Groves as she prepares for her next four races.
"We watched the whole thing right to the bitter end and it's incredible to see her win," said one fan.
"I think it makes it even better for the Ottawa-area," added another.
Groves' will also compete in the 1000-metre, 1500-metre, 5000-metre and team pursuit.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Terry Marcotte
