Laurent Dubreuil received the title of honorary citizen of the city of Lévis for the year 2022 this Wednesday, an honor that touched his heart.
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Born in Saint-Étienne and residing over the years in Saint-Nicolas and Saint-Romuald, three cities that merged with Lévis in 2002, Dubreuil is linked to its city.
“I’ve never lived anywhere but Lévis,” he said. I’m proud of my region (Quebec), but I’m also proud of my city. It’s always fun when your achievements are recognized in your town and
your region. »
“This is the greatest honor the city can bestow,” continued the silver medalist in the 1000m at the Beijing Olympics. It warms my heart and I am doubly proud when this honor inspires young and old alike. Yes, I want to be successful for myself, but it would be kind of useless if my results were just for me. »
The title of honorary citizen was initiated in 2016. Hockey player André Lacroix (2019) is the only other athlete to have received this honor.
Make positive
Dubreuil is also grateful for the role played by the city of Lévis in its early days and for the importance it attaches to athletes.
“At the time of the merger, Lévis was building Olympic ice at the Center Bruno-Verret. It helped me a lot when I was 12, 13 and 14 in the short track. Lévis does a lot for its athletes and these are initiatives that I’m proud of. »
“In the end there are things that are much more important than sport,” added Dubreuil, but sport can become very important if you can create positive things around yourself. I enjoy getting involved in causes that are close to my heart. It enables me to make a difference in my community. I don’t just want to be remembered as a skater. Skateboarding is what I do, not who I am. »
Back to training
After a much-needed holiday break, Dubreuil has hit the ice twice since returning.
“I caught a cold at the last World Championships in Calgary and the symptoms hit me harder than last year when I had COVID-19. I needed rest. »
Dubreuil received an unwanted Christmas present. After his daughter, son and wife, he fell ill with COVID-19 for the second time in early January.
“The symptoms were very minor. As for catching the virus, it was an excellent time to do so. »
The form is good at the beginning of the last stage of the season.
“I had my fastest lap in Quebec two days ago, my only concern
is that I have a rib injury that prevents me from practicing my starts. Everything should be back to normal for the final step. »