Photo by Jerry Search
Get ready for some fast skating this weekend on both the Short Track and Long Track ice!
Short Track:
If folks can make their way through the winter snow storm happening in Dale City, VA, they will be treated to the American Cup III racing series! Most of the competitors arrived yesterday, some just making the last flights in before mother nature blanketed the area in wintery white. Practice ice was held last night and skaters will be sharp and ready to begin their racing card today and tomorrow. A "good luck" goes out to all the skaters, especially to those from my club: Katy Ralston and Josh Cummings. I will keep an eye on results and post when available.
***Update as of 2:30pm EST***
American Cup III has been officially canceled. After warm-ups were completed this morning, skaters were getting ready to begin races and starters were taking their places. At this time a loud "Bang" could be heard from above and when eyes looked over-head, it was noticed that one of the support beams holding the rink's roof had bent and collapsed. The rink's occupants were safely evacuated. Upon inspection, it was found that the heavy, wet snow that has crippled the area had now claimed the integrity of the roof. For the safety of all involved, officials have closed the rink. Never a dull moment in Short Track!!
Safe travels to all!!
Long Track:
The 2nd Masters Sprint Games are being held in Milwaukee, WI at the Pettit National Ice Arena. Organizer Andrew Love has put together another top notch event that has attracted the fastest Masters Long Track skaters from around the world. The USA team is choc-full of talented skaters and will show that you can still skate fast, no matter what age you are. Good luck to Martin Haire and Masahiko Yanigahara.
Vancouver News:
Team USA Short Track and Long Track skaters have arrived in Vancouver! The Long Track Team has been practicing at the Richmond Oval and have stated that the ice is F-A-S-T and they look forward to racing! The Short Track team arrived yesterday and will have practice this morning. Both teams have been getting settled in their new "home away from home" and are very impressed with accomodations. Each team has gone through the "outfitting" of apparel that will be worn for opening, medal and closing ceremonies. The clothes have been provided by Ralph Lauren and Nike and these threads are sweet! The excitement is exuding from both first time and returning Olympians as they share these special moments. All are looking forward to meeting fellow athletes from around the world as they begin to arrive.
The world awaits to witness Vancouver's magic as Opening Ceremonies are only 6 days away!
**Update on the AmCup Racing- I just read that they have sent the skaters back to hotel due to ALL the SNOW! Thanks Jerry for the update!
ReplyDeleteA roof beam in the rink actually cracked and bent and we had to evacuate the building. So the races have been canceled.
ReplyDeleteYikes! That is some heavy snow. Glad to hear everyone is safe and hopefully relaxing a bit in the hotel.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update Alison!
Katy Ralston just (3:00 Eastern) posted to Jerry Search's Facebook that officials say the roof of the arena has collapsed (roof of a warehouse at Dulles Airport collapsed a little earlier). Liz Looby says the power is out at a hotel where many of the Salt Lake City skaters are staying. Everyone seems safe and able to have an adventure to remember, but it's a pip down there. I think Steven Colbert has the fodder for another interesting speedskating story! I'm posting more over on my blog as I get information.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mike! WOW! Can't believe it did end up collapsing. Yikes.
ReplyDelete