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 Skaters, bikers, and runners filled the closed streets of scenic Montreal for hours as part of the 12th annual Festival of Health on May 19, 2002 in Montreal, Canada. "They were 18,000 Bursting With Health" read the headline on page 9 of le journal de Montrealon Monday, May 20, 2002. Out of all those healthy athletes, a significant number of them were skaters, who completed any number of three races: a 22K for elite skaters, a 28K and a 10K. "Even though it's all about participating," read the caption to the 22K finish photo, " certain go through great lengths to finish first. Giving proof, Steve Robillard and Eddy Matzger, finished the inline race ex aequo."(Ex aequo is a Latin expression meaning "in a tie" or literally "on equal footing" ["sur le pied d'egalite."]) "They had to go to the photo finish to determine the winner." Short track sensation Steve Robillard -- who set the 1500 meter junior world record in a race wherein Apollo Anton Ono was third, snuck around the TWINCAM leadout and managed to win by a fraction of an inch. Matzger, Olivier Jean and Remy Chait rounded out the top four. The women's field saw Helen Havam outskate Beth Clark and Martine Charbonneau for the podium positions. Salomon had many top skaters in both the longer events. Eddy Matzger and J.F. Fullum put the hurt to the elite racers, while Laura Kernan decimated the field in the 28K with her runner-up finish. News |