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Santos’ fourth place finish headlines trio of strong results from U.S. Short Track Women in the 1000m
by US Speedskating
Kristen Santos skated to a fourth place finish in the A Final of the Women’s 1000m Friday evening at Beijing’s Capital Indoor Stadium in US Speedskating’s best result of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games so far.
In a close battle for the top three spots, Santos put herself in a solid position to strike with three laps to go. Rounding the corner on the final lap, she collided with Italy’s Arianna Fontana and both slid into the pads together.
“Ultimately, it’s part of the sport,” a composed Santos said after the race. “It’s unfortunate and definitely heart breaking but I have to move forward. I still have the 1500m and know that I can be on that podium.”
Corinne Stoddard and Maame Biney placed third and fifth respectively in the B Final of the Women’s 1000m - good for seventh and ninth overall in the event. In her inaugural Olympic Games, Stoddard finished 7th overall, bettering her previous best international ranking in an individual distance (8th).
“I wish I could’ve gone into third before that gap opened then I would’ve had a really good personal best time right now, but it’s ok,” Stoddard said. “In Short Track, racing is more important than time.”
Biney turned in her best individual Olympic performance with the 9th place result.
“My goal in the first two rounds was to definitely make it into the next round, and then try and make it to the A Final,” Biney said. “In the semis I was so close, and my legs just gave out, but it’s all good. I know that the 1000m isn’t my best race so I just go out there and have a more relaxed attitude which I should be doing with my 500m races also.”
On the Men’s side, Ryan Pivirotto advanced out of his 500m heat, turning in a top 3rd fastest time, earning him a spot in the Quarterfinal rounds.
“The start position is 50 - 60 percent of the race,” Pivirotto said. “It really is crucial for the 500m because of how short it is. I would say I’m an all around skater but I found success in the 500 that I haven’t found elsewhere so far. I’ll be in the same start position (in the next round) so I’ll have to work just as hard if not harder.”
The Men’s 500m Quarterfinals are scheduled for 7:00pm Beijing time, 4:00am MST/ 6:00am EST on Sunday, Feb. 13th.
Tune into NBC and Peacock to catch all of the US Speedskating action throughout the Olympics.
In a close battle for the top three spots, Santos put herself in a solid position to strike with three laps to go. Rounding the corner on the final lap, she collided with Italy’s Arianna Fontana and both slid into the pads together.
“Ultimately, it’s part of the sport,” a composed Santos said after the race. “It’s unfortunate and definitely heart breaking but I have to move forward. I still have the 1500m and know that I can be on that podium.”
Corinne Stoddard and Maame Biney placed third and fifth respectively in the B Final of the Women’s 1000m - good for seventh and ninth overall in the event. In her inaugural Olympic Games, Stoddard finished 7th overall, bettering her previous best international ranking in an individual distance (8th).
“I wish I could’ve gone into third before that gap opened then I would’ve had a really good personal best time right now, but it’s ok,” Stoddard said. “In Short Track, racing is more important than time.”
Biney turned in her best individual Olympic performance with the 9th place result.
“My goal in the first two rounds was to definitely make it into the next round, and then try and make it to the A Final,” Biney said. “In the semis I was so close, and my legs just gave out, but it’s all good. I know that the 1000m isn’t my best race so I just go out there and have a more relaxed attitude which I should be doing with my 500m races also.”
On the Men’s side, Ryan Pivirotto advanced out of his 500m heat, turning in a top 3rd fastest time, earning him a spot in the Quarterfinal rounds.
“The start position is 50 - 60 percent of the race,” Pivirotto said. “It really is crucial for the 500m because of how short it is. I would say I’m an all around skater but I found success in the 500 that I haven’t found elsewhere so far. I’ll be in the same start position (in the next round) so I’ll have to work just as hard if not harder.”
The Men’s 500m Quarterfinals are scheduled for 7:00pm Beijing time, 4:00am MST/ 6:00am EST on Sunday, Feb. 13th.
Tune into NBC and Peacock to catch all of the US Speedskating action throughout the Olympics.