USA MASTERS SHINE AT MASTERS WORLD SPRINT CHAMPS
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by US Speedskating
The Calgary Olympic oval hosted the 13th Masters World Sprint Championships on January 21st and 22nd, and six U.S. masters took on skaters from eight other nations.
Barbara Johnson broke three Masters World Records, in the 500m, 1000m and Sprint Samalog, on her way to winning the Womens’ 70+. Dan Carney overcame the biggest field in the competition to win the Men’s 55+. Austin Carlson was 1st overall in the Men’s 30+, and the fastest skater in the meet, Andrew Love was 1st in the 50+, and Mark Yanagihara 3rd in the 45+. Joanna Walters took first in Women’s 75+, and held the honor of being the oldest woman competing at the meet.
Johnsons’ run of records and international race victories has been formidable the past few years, and her technique exceptional. About her success and longevity, she says “As you get older, you need to keep moving and challenging yourself; I hope by seeing me doing this, skaters will understand you can just keep going in this sport. Speed skating is a great combination of mental and physical skills, keeping both of those challenged is a good way to age well.”
Dan Carney and Austin Carlson have been training with Dave Cruickshank and Bonnie Blair in Wisconsin for the past three years; Dan has had a breakout year, and his success in the stacked 55+ field was remarkable.
“I’ve made a significant commitment to the sport, but more important that winning my age class- I cherish the opportunity to attend great events like this and make lifelong friendships with people who share a love for this maddening sport” commented Dan. All of the US Masters team, except Carlson, were veterans of this championship event. Austin had this to say about his first Masters international event, “I really enjoyed meeting skaters from all over the world. I am looking forward to attending more events and continuing my masters skating Journey."
Here is the full list of winners at the 13 Masters Speedskating games
Women
W35 NED Mijke Anne KANNEWORFF
W40 CAN Sarah HOPKINS
W55 JPN Junyu KOYANO
W60 NED Monique BOEREMA
W65 NED Carolien van REES
W70 USA Barb JOHNSON
W75 USA Joanna WALTERS
Men
M30 USA Austin CARLSON
M35 NED Mark REILING
M40 NED Bart SEFFINGA
M45 CAN Ian DWYER
M50 USA Andrew LOVE
M55 USA Dan CARNEY
M60 FIN Vesa VISTI
M65 NED Victor van den HOFF
M70 NOR Brynjulf MÅKESTAD
M75 NOR Onar WESTERHEIM
M80 CAN Werner MEYER
M85 NOR Arne Kjell FOLDVIK
