USS Names the 2024-25 Long Track Development Skaters of the Year
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USS is proud to announce your Long Track Development Skaters of the Year; Elena Stave and David Provod! These skaters were awarded this title based off of their performances during the 2024-25 season. We asked each skater to fill out a questionnaire to get to know more about their speed skating careers, hobbies and so much more! To learn more about Elena and David, read what they had to say below.
Name: David Provod
Age: 15
Club: FAST
Coach: Derek Parra
Who inspires you in speed skating?
My parents are very supporting, and they inspire me a lot. I look forward to competing against the best in the world such as Jordan and Jenning.
Where will you be in ten years?
I will be the fastest speed skater alive and win in the 2034 Olympics.
What other sports do you play?
I play table tennis every day, bike often and play basketball sometimes.
What are your other hobbies?
I play flute but do not play classical music. I play more modern music. Also, I like racing go carts and I like hiking.
How did you get involved in speed skating?
I watched the 2018 Olympics and liked long track a lot. I was fascinated by the sport.
What would you consider your greatest accomplishment?
US Age group C record in 1000m distance.
What is your favorite subject in school?
Table tennis breaks, Lunch and then Math.
What are your goals for speed skating in the next few years?
Start competing in World Cups and camps when my age allows me.
What is your favorite exercise during dryland training?
Slide board and turn cable.
What’s your favorite post-race snack?
Ice cream.
Where is your favorite place to race?
Milwaukee is number 1 and Salt Lake is number 2.
What’s your craziest hidden talent?
My hidden talents are so hidden that even I don’t know about them.
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Name: Elena Stave
Age: 15
Club: Midway Speedskating
Coach: Steven Hartman
Who inspires you in speed skating?
Miho Takagi
Where will you be in ten years?
I’m not sure but hopefully in school for something in sports medicine.
What other sports do you play?
Track and field
What are your other hobbies?
I like biking and painting.
How did you get involved in speed skating?
I started skating when I was three and than eventually went into the learn to speed skate program in Roseville and really enjoyed it so I joined Midway.
What would you consider your greatest accomplishment?
I trained my chickens to jump to my hand
What is your favorite subject in school?
I like Science.
What are your goals for speed skating in the next few years?
Making multiple Junior World teams.
What is your favorite exercise during dryland training?
Up-downs and jumps
What’s your favorite post-race snack?
I like to have apple sauce and a protein bar.
Where is your favorite place to race?
Roseville, Minnesota because it’s my home rink.
What’s your craziest hidden talent?
I can whistle.
