US Speedskating Does the Right thing; Evan Lysacek wins!

The snow disaster at the Prince William Ice Center in Virginia left so many of our best young speedskaters adrift, so to speak.  An email from US Speedskating showed a great spirit and intent to do the right thing, and I applaud them!  Here's the email:

Dear US Speedskating Members, 

Due to the cancellation of American Cup III-Short Track in Dale City, VA, US Speedskating will take the following actions:

1.         Any skater that was registered for American Cup III-Short Track in the Senior Division, and also competed in at least one other event in the Senior Division of the 2009-10 Short Track American Cup Racing Series shall be eligible to compete at the 2010 American Cup Final-Short Track.  The following events are considered a part of the 2009-10 Short Track American Cup Series:

                        a.  Short Track Olympic Trials

                        b.  American Cup I-Short Track

                        c.  American Cup II-Short Track

                        d. American Cup III-Short Track

                        e.  American Cup Final-Short Track

2.         Skaters who had registered and paid an entry fee for American Cup III-Short Track in either the Senior or B Division will have that entry fee credited toward the American Cup Final-Short Track or the National Age Group Short Track Championships.  Skaters who have already registered or are not competing in the American Cup Final-Short Track or the National Age Group Short Track Championships will receive a refund of their American Cup III entry fee.

Meanwhile, back in front of the television....The short program in men's figures the other night ended so close to a three-way tie that you could not help being excited to see the long programs.  And they delivered!  The off ice warmup of Evegny Plushenko looked so calm and relaxed, while the warmup of Evan Lysacek looked so tight!  Then the skating....Lysacek first, turning  in a stellar performance!  Then the wait as the rest of the best skated, building up to Plushenko who looked...like a master.  He said he thought he'd skated well enough, and it sure looked like it, but the Gold went to Lysacek and his 257.67 combined!  The first US Gold in the sport since the Battle of the Brians in Calgary twenty-two years ago!  Just excellent! Commentator Scott Bowman had it right:  To win at the Olympics is amazing.  To do it beating the best on a good night....truly magnificent!

Judging by my television habits lately, I must conclude that there is NO winter Olympic sport that I don't like!

US Speedskating Championships 2010 & Bruce Connor

The US Speedskating (LT) Championships are underway in Salt Lake City, with great photos and commentary as always by Andrew Love at his blog Zen & the Art of Speedskating (see right column for a link).

I've mentioned Bruce Connor in an earlier blog, but looked at the results from SLC and must express awe and amazement at his 500m time of 00:38.90 at a pressure meet! I can't go that fast in a car! Bruce is within hairbreadths of men less than half his age! Way to go!

Thank you, Bruce, for continuing to inspire those of us who've been around the block a few times! I've never met you, but appreciate the inspiration.

I hope your turn comes to be highlighted to the Colbert Nation!