GOTEBORG, Sweden - Jeff Buttle put an exclamation mark on a solid showing by Canada at the world figure skating championships.
The native of Smooth Rock Falls, Ont., decisively captured the men's singles title Saturday, finishing first in the free skate final. The 2006 Olympic bronze medallist clinched his first world crown after winning the short program Friday.
When Buttle finished his program, he pounded the ice then clapped his hands, screaming, "Yeah!'' He finished a whopping 14 points ahead of second-place finisher Brian Joubert of France, the 2007 champion.
But even Buttle seemed surprised with the victory. When his marks went up and victory had been cemented, his jaw dropped and his eyes widened in amazement.
"It's always been a dream of mine to be the world champion,'' Buttle said. "I can't believe that I am.''
Buttle became the first Canadian to win the men's title since Elvis Stojko did so in 1997.
Buttle was brilliant Saturday. He did three clean combinations and a total of eight triple jumps, although he didn't attempt a quadruple.
"It's been such a great week for me,'' Buttle said. "It doesn't even feel real yet.
"It hasn't sunk in.''
He claimed Canada's third medal at the competition, with all coming in different disciplines for the first time since 1988.
Tessa Virtue of London, Ont., and Scott Moir of Ilderton, Ont., won ice dancing silver Friday, while Jessica Dube of Drummondville, Que., and Bryce Davison of Cambridge, Ont., won pairs bronze Wednesday.
The last time the Canadian flag was raised during the medal ceremonies was in 2003 in Washington when Shae-Lynn Bourne and Victor Kraatz won ice dancing gold.
"It was an amazing week for Canada,'' said Lee Barkell, Buttle's coach. "We have a really strong group of skaters that are supportive of each other and coming in with a very competitive attitude.
"They're all starting to believe they belong on top.''
