Rookard is top 8 in the Ladies 5000m
Coming within six seconds of tying the Olympic record in the Ladies 5000m at the Richmond Olympic Oval, long track skater and current world record holder Martina Sablikova (CZE) added another gold medal to her collection by winning the event with a time of 6:50.91. In second place, German skater Stephanie Beckert followed close behind with 6:51.39 and defending Olympic 5000m champion Clara Hughes (CAN) rounded out the top three with 6:55.73.
Two U.S. ladies skated the 5000m with Jilleanne Rookard (Woodhaven, MI) finishing in eighth place with a time of 7:07.48 and Maria Lamb (River Falls, WI) ending in 15th place with 7:25.15.
“I just tried to shoot for a range of time and I know it’s very hard-working ice. I didn’t want to go out too quickly,” Rookard said. “I just tried to stay relaxed and have confidence.”
Lamb, who skated with Cindy Klassen (CAN) in the first pair, is recovering from a laceration she received to her right leg immediately following the U.S. Speedskating Championships in December and was just glad to be able to compete at the Games.
“I’m happy with (my time). I think I’m capable of doing a lot better,” Lamb said. “A month ago, I didn’t even know if I’d be here.”
For complete results, visit the Olympics page at www.usspeedskating.org. No events are scheduled at the Richmond Olympic Oval for tomorrow. The Team Pursuit events begin on Friday, February 26.