Disappointing 500m for Fredricks
February 15, 2010—Richmond, British Columbia
At the conclusion of the Men’s 500m long track speedskating event, it just wasn’t Tucker Fredricks’ day. After a disappointing first race that included a misstep at the start and a slip in the first turn, Fredricks’ finished his 500m races ranked in 12th place with a combined time of 70.35.
“I had a few big mistakes in the first race that I couldn’t come back from,” Fredricks said. “I dug myself a hole I couldn’t get out of.”
Racing was delayed following the first 10 pairs when the ice resurfacing machine experienced mechanical difficulties. This was the second time in two days the machines had caused race-delaying situations. Although coaches were concerned the delay would create inequitable ice conditions, Fredricks didn’t feel it affected his performance.
“I was pretty relaxed the whole time. It didn’t seem to bother me much,” he said. “(The ice) was different everyday. It was consistent with being inconsistent.”
Even though he is disappointed, Fredricks is not ruling out the 2014 Olympic Winter Games and said, “I’ll be back in four years. I’ve got nothing better to do.”
2002 Olympian Nick Pearson (West Allis, WI) finished the 500m in 26th place with a time of 71.92. Though he wasn’t pleased with his performance, Pearson said the races were a good preparation for his 1000m on Wednesday.
“I’m happy with the lap speed I had there, especially in the first race,” Pearson said. “I won’t be happy without a top 10 (in the 1000m) and hope to be on the podium.”
Mitch Whitmore (Waukesha, WI) finished in 37th place with a combined time of 73.04.
“I’m here for an experience and I definitely got that,” Whitmore said. “It’s given me a view of what will come four years from now.”
For complete results, visit the Olympics page at www.usspeedskating.org. Racing continues tomorrow at the Richmond Olympic Oval with the Ladies 500m. Elli Ochowicz (Palo Alto, CA), Jen Rodriguez (Miami, FL), Lauren Cholewinski (York, SC) and Heather Richardson (High Point, NC) will represent the U.S.