Jordan Belchos

Reason for choosing this sport	While training for inline skating, he participated in a crossover sport recruitment camp. He was then spotted by coaches from a speed skating talent identification programme called Own The Podium. "Speed skating is a combination of technical precision, physical and mental strength. I love competing against the clock and the feel of skating well."
When and where did you begin this sport?	He began inline skating at age nine in Toronto, ON, Canada. He switched to speed skating in 2005 in Calgary, AB, Canada.

Injuries	He tore the meniscus in his knee in 2015. (Athlete, 14 Nov 2019) He fractured the patella bone in his knee in July 2014 and was out for two months. (Athlete, 18 Nov 2018, 03 Dec 2015) He sustained a concussion in a cycling accident in June 2013, which affected his off-season training. He recovered in time to compete at the Canadian Olympic trials in October the same year. (Athlete, 18 Nov 2018; cbc.ca, 14 Jan 2014)
Sporting philosophy / motto	"Once you quit once, it becomes a habit." (speedskating.ca, 04 Dec 2022)

instagram.com/jbelch89/

Other sports	He represented Canada in roller speed skating at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, ON, Canada, where he won bronze in the road 10,000m points race. (SportsDeskOnline, 03 Dec 2015; Athlete, 03 Dec 2015)
Most influential person in career	His parents. (Athlete, 14 Nov 2019)
Hero / Idol	US speed skater Derek Parra. (speedskating.ca, 04 Dec 2022)
Hobbies	Cycling. (Instagram profile, 23 Aug 2023)
Famous relatives	His partner Valerie Maltais has represented Canada in short track and speed skating at the Olympic Winter Games. She won silver in short track [3000m relay] at the 2014 Games in Sochi, and claimed gold in speed skating [team pursuit] at the 2022 Games in Beijing. She also competed in roller speed skating at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, ON, Canada. (SportsDeskOnline, 09 Nov 2022; lequotidien.com, 05 Oct 2022)
Milestones	He became the first roller speed skater representing Canada to win a medal at the Pan American Games when he claimed bronze in the road 10,000m points race at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, ON, Canada. (SportsDeskOnline, 19 Oct 2018; olympic.ca, 12 Feb 2017)

Club / Team	Markham Speed Skating Club: Canada
Name of coach	Gregor Jelonek [national], CAN; Muncef Ouardi [national]