McCulloch became the first non-European and so far the only Canadian world champion in all -around in Montreal in 1897 . He defeated the Norwegian Alfred Næss in a very close 1500 meter race . Winning this race was necessary for the title, because to become world champion you had to win three out of four races at that time. Næss had won the 500 meters and McCulloch the 5000 meters. Since both were equal in the first race over 1500 meters, the race had to be repeated. McCulloch narrowly prevailed here. The Canadian then won the 10,000 meters with ease. A little later it was found out that the race over 5000 meters was two laps too short. Then it was repeated with the speed skaters who were still present. McCulloch won again and was able to keep his title.
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Canada
