U.S. ladies to take the ice in Richmond tomorrow
February 13, 2010—Richmond, British Columbia
Tomorrow marks the first Olympic appearance of two U.S. long track speedskating athletes. Jilleanne Rookard (Woodhaven, MI) and Nancy Swider-Peltz, Jr. (Wheaton, IL) will compete with teammate and four-time Olympian Catherine Raney Norman (Elm Grove, WI) during the Ladies 3000m at the Richmond Olympic Oval.
Raney is ranked 12th in World Cup ranking going into the competition and is gearing up for the endurance race. “I’m willing to suffer,” she said. “The 3K is a fast pace that you have to hold onto. It’s almost like the 1500m. The person who is willing to suffer and hold on the most will win.”
Ranked in 13th place, Rookard burst onto the speedskating scene during the Olympic qualifying event in October, winning the 3000m in Milwaukee and setting a personal best time. “I’m very confident in my preparation for the 3K,” Rookard said. “My heart will be racing for my first Olympic competition and I hope my legs can keep up.”
Swider-Peltz, Jr., ranked in 16th place going into the race, is coached by her mother and four-time Olympian Nancy Swider-Peltz. “This year had its ups and downs in the early part of the season,” said Swider-Peltz, Sr. “She hit a plateau in December but since January, it’s probably been the best six weeks of training. This should be the best race of her season. She’s very excited.”
“The skaters look good and feel good,” said Derek Parra, Olympic gold medalist and U.S. Olympic coach. “There’s a positive buzz around our team.”
Racing begins at the Richmond Olympic Oval at 1 p.m. For complete results, visit US Speedskating’s Olympics page at www.usspeedskating.org. Medal ceremonies for both the Men’s 5000m and the Ladies 3000m will be held on Sunday, February 14.