Australia’s speed skating record blitz has continued over the weekend, with three new national times established by three skaters. Ben Southee posted a new record for the 1500m and equalled the national mark for the 500m in a World Cup in Calgary.
Australia’s speed skating record blitz has continued over the weekend, with three new national times established by three skaters.
Ben Southee posted a new record for the 1500m and equalled the national mark for the 500m in a World Cup in Calgary.
Southee recorded one minute 48.24 seconds on the high altitude 1998 Olympic Games track to finish in 25th place in the B Division, eclipsing the time of 1:48.59 set just last weekend by Josh Lose.
A day later, the former short track competitor skated to 27th place in the Division B 500m in a time of 36.36, equalling the record set on the same track a week earlier by Daniel Greig.
Lose was also in record-breaking mode in Calgary, placing 24th in the Division B 5000m in a time of 6:35.22, nine seconds off his season best and six seconds off the record he set on the same track in February. He was also just 0.2 seconds outside the Olympic qualification time.
In the women’s events, Sophie Muir skated to one minute 17.65 in the Division B 1000m, a pb and national record, despite struggling with injury issues.
“I was really surprised she did so well,” said Australian Ice Racing Coach Desly Hill.
“Her back has been very tight, and that has been putting a strain on her hips which has been affecting her coordination. She has also been stressing about qualification.”
“I’m really excited at her progress and I don’t see her stopping with her rapid improvement any time soon.”
Muir also contested two B Division 500m races, her best result a 20th placing in a time of 39.09, just outside her own national record of 38.99.
Daniel Greig had mixed fortunes in Calgary, being disqualified in the 500m on the opening day, but that was after delivering a record 10 second flat opening lap, 0.19 below his previous best.
He also finished in 29th place in the Division B 1000m in a time of 1:11.42, his second best time for the season.
The next World Cup will be held in Salt Lake City on the coming weekend.
The Australian Sports Commission has provided special initiative funding to assist Long Track Speed Skating athletes qualify for nomination for selection to the Australian Olympic Winter Games team for Vancouver 2010.
Australian Olympic Committee International Competition Grant funding has been provided to assist with the cost of travel to participate in international competition.
