Long track speedskaters arrive in Vancouver

February 3, 2010—Vancouver, British Columbia

U.S. long track speedskaters stepped on the ice at the Richmond Olympic Oval for their first training session in preparation for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The team arrived in Vancouver yesterday and was ready to skate on Olympic ice.

“This past month since Olympic trials I focused more on preparing and training,” said Rebekah Bradford (Apple Valley, MN). “I haven't really celebrated the fact that I will be representing Team USA. It didn't hit me until my team and I were guided off the plane and handed our credentials. I've had a huge grin on my face.”

U.S. Olympic coach Ryan Shimabukuro worked with his athletes, helping them get the feel for the low-altitude ice rink. “It's an exciting time for our team,” he said. “After arriving in Vancouver yesterday, a huge sense of team pride was evident. The facility is beautiful and we all can't wait for the Games to begin next week.”

While many skaters on Team USA are attending the Games for the first time, eight team members are returning Olympians including Olympic medalists Shani Davis (Chicago, IL), Jen Rodriguez (Miami, FL) and Chad Hedrick (Spring, TX). Hedrick feels his skating is back on a winning track, especially after his 1500m gold-medal performance during World Cup 4 in Calgary, Canada in December.

“It’s nice to be back in a city that I've grown to love over the past year,” Hedrick said. “Although the ice will not provide any world records I think the competition will be great with many memorable performances.”

Team USA moves into the Athlete Village tomorrow and will practice at the Richmond Olympic Oval in the afternoon. The U.S. short track speedskating team arrives Friday, Feb. 5.