2026 Hall of Fame Induction Announcement

Contact:

US Speedskating

Alysha Rummler

Marketing Communications Manager

arummler@usspeedskating.org

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KEARNS, UT – On May 29, 2026, US Speedskating (USS) will hold their annual Hall of Fame induction and awards ceremony for contributions, efforts and performances within speed skating. This year's inductees are classic era speed skater Elizabeth Du Bois and contributor to the sport Susan Sandvig Shobe. The ceremony takes place at the America Family Field in Milwaukee, WI.

Elizabeth Du Bois was a dominant female speed skater in the Chicago area in the 1920 and 30s. Born on October 19, 1912, Du Bois began skating when she was around 10 years old. As a young skater, she competed in a variety of local and national competitions and trained in the newly formed Majestic Skating Club team.

In 1932, Du Bois set a World Record in the 500m during a national race that acted as the Olympic Trials for U.S. skaters. She was chosen to compete in the first women’s demonstration speed skating event at the Winter Olympics held in Lake Placid. Competing against the top female skaters from Canada and the United States, Du Bois placed second in the 500m and first in the 1000m. Returning to Chicago, she was hailed as a conquering hero in her hometown, despite not being afforded a medal for her victories.

Du Bois later taught physical education in Wisconsin before retiring from skating and taking vows as a nun. She took the name Sister Mary Vincent and worked as a physical therapist. She passed at the age of 51 on October 15, 1963.

Her Olympic spirit and sport participation represents the tireless work and passion of women in skating before their official entrance into the Olympic Games in 1960.

Susan Sandvig Shobe has been involved in the sport of speed skating for over 60 years. Beginning in 1966, she started racing with the Bearcat Speedskating Club in Minnesota. Coming from a family with deep speed skating roots, including her father, 2-time Olympian Gene Sandvig, it was only natural Susan would continue the tradition. She skated at both the national and international levels for many years.

After her retirement from competition, she wasn’t ready to leave the speed skating world behind. Sandvig Shobe coached both long track and short track speed skating, leading clubs including the East Side Club, Midway Club, Madison Club, Plymouth Wayzata Club, and Twin Cities Club. She was a coach for the Junior National Teams, US Olympic Festival Teams, the World Short Track Team and the Men’s World Championships team.

Sandvig Shobe has also been an ISU referee since 1998. Her referee credentials span from hundreds of local events, top national events (including multiple Olympic Trials), World Cups, World Championships, and Olympic Games. Her contribution as an official cannot be overstated.

On top of her officiating responsibilities, Sandvig Shobe has a long career of contributing to the growth of the sport. She served on the US Speedskating Board of Directors, including a tenure as vice president, served as the chair of both the Sports Science and Long Track committees, and has served on the Coaching, Competition, Alumni, Officials and Audit committees. She has also served on local club and association boards.

Beyond the skating world, Sandvig Shobe received a B.S. in aerospace engineering and a master’s in biomedical engineering and became a professor at St. Cloud State University. Her husband and children have also been involved in speed skating, whether serving in administrative roles or following in their mother’s steps and competing nationally.

Hall of Fame member and Sandvig Shobe’s cousin, five-time Olympian and 3-time Olympic medalist Amy Peterson, said of her contribution, “Susan has spent her life giving her time and energy to a sport she is passionate about. She has shared her love of the sport around the world and passed this love on to the next Sandvig generation.”

The US Speedskating Hall of Fame Induction is in conjunction with the USS Annual Congress held May 28-30, 2026. Since its inception in 1960, the Speed Skating Hall of Fame has honored over 90 skaters for their excellence in athletic achievement in the sport of speed skating, and more than 60 contributors for their innovative contributions to the sport and dedication to the speed skating community.

MEDIA NOTE: Media interested in acquiring additional information should contact Alysha Rummler at arummler@usspeedskating.org or (801) 417-5374.

About US Speedskating

US Speedskating athletes have won 97 Olympic medals, making it one of the most successful sports in U.S. Olympic history. The organization sets the stage for success by providing support, from local clubs to Olympic teams, and nurtures an atmosphere that encourages growth in the speed skating community. USS is recognized as the governing body for the sport of speed skating in the United States and is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, on Facebook and at www.usspeedskating.org.