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Strong debuts by Australian long track skaters

 

Strong debuts by Australian long track skaters

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AOC

Former in-line skater Sophie Muir has added a 13th placing in the second of two Division B 500m races at the opening long track speed skating World Cup of the season in Berlin, after finishing 14th in her initial journey over the distance. Making her long track World Cup debut, Muir broke her own national record in the opening race – a time set at altitude in Calgary – then bettered it again with 40.14 seconds in the second 500m.

Former in-line skater Sophie Muir has added a 13th placing in the second of two Division B 500m races at the opening long track speed skating World Cup of the season in Berlin, after finishing 14th in her initial journey over the distance.

Making her long track World Cup debut, Muir broke her own national record in the opening race – a time set at altitude in Calgary – then bettered it again with 40.14 seconds in the second 500m.

Former short track national team member Ben Southee also showed impressive form in his debut, finishing in 16th place in the men’s Division B 1500m, his time just marginally below his high altitude pb but below the previous national record that he broke last weekend.

In earlier races at the Berlin event, Muir placed 22nd in the Division B 1000m, fellow former in line skater Josh Lose – another world Cup debutant - skated to 20th place in the men’s Division B 5000m, while Southee placed 24th place in the B Division 500m and 26th in the Division B 1000m.

“It was a really good event for all skaters,” said Australian Long Track Head coach Desly Hill.

“Sophie did a fantastic job to beat her pb at sea level (where the atmosphere makes times slower), though the ice here was quick.”

“She’s just three tenths off a podium in B Division, and that would put her up into Division A.”

“She also lowered her 1000m season-best by 0.8 and that says in Calgary she should be able to do Olympic qualifying in her current form

“Josh skated a decent time in the 5000m to beat his sea level time by more than 10 seconds, so according to the AIR qualification system he should be able to do Olympic qualifying times in Calgary with his current form.”

“He changed his equipment during training here and took 20 seconds of his earlier times – he was just three seconds off his best Calgary time.”

“Ben also skated very well with good times in 500, 1000, and 1500m - no pb as yet but still impressive for sea level.”

Southee has already recorded an Olympic qualifying time in the 1500m.

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