Nick Thometz
Elected to the National Speedskating Hall of Fame in 2003, Nick’s induction was delayed by a year to enable him to attend both the birth of his son. Nick Thometz skating accomplishments are legendary. He was a member of two Junior World teams, two World teams, eleven World Sprint teams, and three Olympic teams; earning two overall top 10 finishes in the Junior Worlds, seven top 10 overall finishes including one second overall in the World Sprints, and achieved three top 10 finishes in Olympic competition. In seven World Cup seasons, Nick ranked in the top three at 500 and 1000 meters for the 1985-86, 1986-87, and 1987-88 seasons. During his skating career, Nick won medals in three Junior World Championship, one World Championship, five World Sprint Championships, and in over forty World Cups. He established a World Record of 36.55 seconds for 500 meters on March 19, 1987 in Heerenveen. Following his retirement from competition, Nick turned to coaching. He was National Team Coach between 1993 and 1997. He also served as the 1998 U.S. Speedskating Olympic Team Leader and Director of Long Track Speedskating events for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City.