Kevin Frost “World” bound
Speed skater aims to keep momentum going in Calgary

Kevin Frost and his guide dog, Nemo

Kevin Frost, now an honorary Lion, has had a strong start to the season, winning two bronze medals in short track earlier this year.
In October, the legally deaf and blind speed skater took third place in an Ottawa meet, and then on Nov. 11 he scored a bronze while competing in Kingston, Ontario.

It was a gamble that won the second medal of the season for him. At the Kingston meet he was blocked by two skaters, making it difficult for him to get ahead. He decided to take his chances and pass them anyway.

“I got on the inside. I don’t know how I did it, but I did,” Frost said.

The win is a huge boost for Frost, who finds short track more difficult than long track. With four to five skaters on the ice, short track offers more obstacles for the Orléans native. When Frost races he can’t hear or see the skaters until they are in front of him or start passing him. Since it’s tough for Frost to judge how close he is, it makes it that much harder for him to pass his fellow skaters.

Besides earning two medals, Frost was also inducted into the Lions Club near the beginning of the season.

“I’m very honoured to be part of the organization,” Frost said. “They are a blessing.”

The Orléans Lions Club has been one of Frost’s major contributors, backing him as he pursues his speed skating dream.

With the colder weather on the way, Frost is taking some time off before he switches to long track in January.

He said he prefers long track because it offers fewer obstacles. Only two skaters are on the ice at a time and there is just one cross-over point, making it easier for Frost to navigate the track.

“I hope to continue the momentum and utilize the power I have… and bring my times down,” Frost said.

In February Frost will head to Calgary to compete in the Masters International World.

It will be Frost’s first international event. The athlete couldn’t be more prepared.

“I’m now in the best shape of my life,” he said.

With the help of a professional trainer Frost has become stronger.

His power will come in handy in Calgary where he will be up against international able-bodied skaters. Excited, Frost indicated he suspects it will be an awesome experience. Not only will it be a first for him, it may also be a first for many of his competitors.

Frost indicated it will be interesting to see the response of other international skaters when he walks in with his guide dog, Nemo.

It will probably be a “neat” experience for the other skaters, he said.

“Nemo is always the star attraction,” Frost added.

Although a medal would be great, Calgary is ultimately about showing people what they can achieve if they put their mind to it.

The Star November 22, 2006