Lee Chandler back row (photo courtesy SkateCanada)

A figure skater originally from Boissevain is now a world champion.

 

Lee Chandler is into his fifth year with Nexxice from Burlington, Ontario. They won the gold medal for Canada on Saturday at the World Synchronized Skating Championships in Hamilton.

 

Chandler was thrilled with the win before close to 8,000 skating fans. “We finally did it. After coming in second in the past thre Championships it's nice to finally win gold.”

 

It is Canada’s first world crown since 2009 when Nexxice also took gold. The top-seeded Canadian team finished with 214.73 points. Finland finished second less than one point back at 214.06. Russia won the bronze medal at 203.48.

Chandler was one of sixteen skaters that make up Team Nexxice. “It's just sinking in that we are world champions,’’ said Chandler. ‘’It was just an awesome experience with the hometown crowd and they really lifted us.’’

Chandler plans to step back from competitive skating and he hopes to get into coaching.