The Canadian, South Korean (the current world sub-champions), Chilean, Egyptian and Dutch Skating Federations have confirmed in the last hours their attendance to the World Roller Speed Skating Championship that will take place in Cali from August 17th to 25th.
In the last four World Championships, Canada has being a mayor contestant and is leading the different competitions. Holland was among the top ten in both the China 2005 and Korea 2006 World Championships.
The South Koreans deserve a special chapter of their own, due to its fast rising in both skating level and recognition. Its sportsmen are always in the favorite's list for wining medals. Prove of this are its 8th place at the Venezuela 2003 Championship, its 5th place at Italy 2004, its 6th place at China 2005 and the sub-championship in Anyang where they won 8 gold, 9 silver, and 8 bronze medals. Among its figures Seul Lee, Mi Kyu Lee, Gwak Ki Dong, Kuck Chae Yi, Chun Hee Um, and Mi Young Kim stand out for their results.
On the other hand Chile is one of the South American and World Roller Speed Skating superpowers. With figures such as Catherine Peñan, María José Moya, Johan Stuardo, and Ricardo Verdugo the austral selection got a well deserved 5th place in last year's World Championship. The Chilean Roller Speed Skating has also stand up in previous World Championships. It was 6th in Barquisimeto in 2003, 8th in Italy 2004, and 7th in China 2005.
The Chilean Federation has announced that the team that will travel to Cali will compose 18 skaters. The sportsmen that will participate in the World Championship and the Panamerican Games will be defined between April and May after the respective checkups. In the World Roller Speed Skating Championship they will probably compete with two speed and three long-distance racers in both women and men branches in the senior category. In the junior category would participate one speed and three long-distance runners also in the men and women branches.