SPEED SKATING/SHORT TRACK: Australia’s speed skaters have proved once again they can mix it with the best, after a strong showing across all events.

Long track speed skater Daniel Greig perhaps had the most to prove, coming back from what many considered to be career-ending injuries, to claim two personal best results.

Just four years ago the 26-year-old was left with the devastating choice of giving up the sport he loved, or facing months of invasive surgeries and treatments, with no guarantee of a full recovery.

“I’d been in such a rush to make the Sochi Olympics that I ended up wrecking both my knees completely,” Greig said.

“I was really close to quitting, but I’m so glad I didn’t, because not only am I back to full health but I’m competing better than ever.”

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The Victorian-born skater who now trains in the Netherlands, claimed a 21st finish in the 500m race, and a 22nd in the 1000m.

“I was super pumped with how I went in the 1000m,” he said. “I equalled my PB and it was just a great race.

“I probably could have shaved off a bit more time but overall it was about as good as I can do and it was really fun.”

In the short track Olympic debutant Andy Jung proved he is one to watch for the future, after moving through to the semi-final in the 1500m.

“I really enjoyed my whole experience here and I know that I will be back for more,” the 19-year-old said.

“Short track is a tough sport because anything can happen on the day, but I know with a lot of work I can be really competitive next time.”

That’s something echoed by two-time Olympian Deanna Lockett, who got her Games campaign off to a flying start, moving through to the semi-final of the 1500m, and well and truly proving why she’s ranked 7th in the world for that event.

“My first heat of the 1500m felt really good, and I didn’t feel over-awed by the competition at all,” she said.

“I’m really hoping I can go away now and work on a few things so that I’m technically better, and hopefully I can make the 2022 Olympics and make all of Australia proud.”

Katherine Firkin
olympics.com.au