Dandjinou Clinches Crystal Globe as Sarault Extends Lead

Season-Defining Finish in the Netherlands

Canadian short track speed skater Will Dandjinou captured another golden moment on Saturday at the final World Tour stop in Dordrecht, Netherlands, securing the men’s overall season title. His win in the 1,500-metre final delivered an insurmountable points lead, confirming his second consecutive Crystal Globe.

Dandjinou stopped the clock at 2:16.600, earning his seventh individual gold of the season. Teammate Felix Roussel, of Sherbrooke, Que., finished just behind him at 2:16.670, marking a strong Canadian one-two finish.

A Podium Shared—and Earned

Speaking after the race, Dandjinou said the shared podium with Roussel was something they had envisioned since the early stages of the season. He noted their competitive but supportive dynamic, describing the moment as “well deserved” for both skaters.

China’s Sun Long secured bronze with a time of 2:16.772, rounding out a tightly contested final.

Standings Locked and Future Eyes Forward

Dandjinou’s victory pushed him to 832 points for the season, far ahead of Italy’s Pietro Sighel, who sits at 594 points. The Montreal athlete later added a silver medal in the chaotic 500m final, where a rare six-man field and multiple contacts shaped the outcome.

Although Canadian Steven Dubois crossed the line first, a penalty for a lane-change violation altered the results. American Andrew Heo moved up to gold, with Dandjinou taking silver and Poland’s Felix Pigeon earning bronze.

Dandjinou has previously spoken about his ambitions for the Milano-Cortina Winter Games, acknowledging the rising expectations following his dominant season.

Sarault Strengthens Her Lead

On the women’s side, Courtney Sarault delivered another standout performance to protect her overall season lead. The Moncton, N.B., skater won the 1,000m final, clocking in at 1:27.701 for her third gold of the season in the discipline.

American Corrine Stoddard mounted a strong final-lap push but settled for silver at 1:27.752, while Hanne Desmet of Belgium claimed bronze.

Crystal Globe Within Reach Again

Sarault, last season’s Crystal Globe champion, now holds a 100-point lead over Stoddard with just two individual events remaining. Her fourth gold of the season solidifies her position as the favourite to retain the overall title, extending Canada’s dominance across the World Tour standings.

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