Debutant Olympian Sophie Muir has successfully completed her two trial races this afternoon at the Richmond Olympic Park.

All speed skating athletes had the chance to race over 500,1000 and 1500 metre distances as they fine tune their preparations ahead of the first day of racing on Day 2 (Saturday 13 February).

Muir started in the inside lane in her 500m race against Denmark’s Cathrine Grage and was in control throughout the first straight to establish a lead at the bell.

Muir raced a smooth first bend and back straight to move more than three seconds clear of her Danish opponent before crossing the line in a time of 39.64. Grage finished in 43.70.

After a one hour break Muir raced her 1000m trial against 1998 bronze medallist over 500m, Japan’s Tomomi Okazaki. The veteran Japanese skater flew out of the blocks and raced a quick 450 metres before easing off and pulling out of the race.

Muir who had held within 20 metres of Okazaki throughout the first lap and a half raced until the end and recorded 1:19.61, despite easing off over the closing stages of the race.

Shortly after completing the 1000m, Muir said that it was good to make the transition into racing.

“Racing is a lot different to training and you can always go faster in races than you can in training, so it’s nice to just go at top speed and feel your technique and feel the corners,” Muir said.
 
Muir said her 500m race was a good step forward ahead of her Olympic debut.

“It was above average. I was hoping for a bit better but made a couple of mistakes however I have only been here for 5 days so far and haven’t felt that great yet. We are still literally having heavy legs and I am trying to find myself, so considering that I am pretty happy.”

With the 1000m race held only an hour afterwards, Muir said it gave her a good idea of what to expect when the Olympic program commenced.

“Because both 500 runs are on the same day I’m not used to doing that so it was more of a test to see how I could recover between the 500 and 1000. It’s allowed me to work out a game plan for the 500m event.”

Muir will race the 500m on Day 5 (Tuesday 16 February), before contesting the 1000m two days later.

David Polglase
AOC-Vancouver