2023 Hall of Fame Induction and Award Celebration
by US Speedskating
Contact:
US Speedskating
Alysha Rummler
Communications Manager
arummler@usspeedskating.org
Friday, May 19, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2023 Hall of Fame Induction and Award Celebration
The Hall of Fame Induction takes place tonight in Holladay, Utah
HOLLADAY, Utah – Tonight, May 19, 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 inductee is former Olympic Speed Skater Barbara Lockhart. The ceremony takes place at the Cottonwood Country Club in Holladay, Utah at 6:30 pm MT.
Lockhart was a part of a groundbreaking new era for female speed skaters in the Olympic world. In 1960, when Olympic long track speed skating was first opened to women, she won the first race in the first Olympic trials for women speed skaters making her the first U.S. woman to qualify for an Olympic Team in speed skating. She went on to compete in both the 1960 and 1964 Olympic Winter Games.
Her fellow speed skating competitors and those who watched her skate recognize her accomplishments in the sport. Chuck Burke, Olympian and fellow US Team member says, “Barb was always very well respected as a skater and person. She was always one of the top skaters at that time. She is well deserving of this honor of being inducted into the USS Hall of Fame.”
“I remember Barb as a very smart and skilled racer,” says Donna ‘MacKenzie’ Burke, fellow speed skating teammate. “When she saw an opening, she had the ability, speed and confidence to make the pass and move into the position she wanted.”
After her professional skating career, Lockhart continued to be involved in speed skating and the Olympic world. During the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, UT, she was chairperson of the Ethics Committee and a torch bearer.
“Barb was a great skater,” shares Gene Sandvig, fellow Olympian and ISU technical committee member, “but I don’t know how many people are aware that she was instrumental in bringing her energy and knowledge of speed skating to Utah. When Salt Lake City was granted the 2002 Olympic Games, Barb was one of the few former skaters that lived locally and had extensive knowledge of our sport. We really appreciated her stepping up to help us.”
Lockhart received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from University of Michigan, followed by a doctorate of education from Brigham Young University. She taught at Temple University and the University of Iowa before returning to her alma mater, BYU, to teach exercise science. Barb retired in 2017 but has spent her career inspiring students and athletes with her love for sport and stories from her experiences at the Olympic Games.
In addition to the Hall of Fame induction, members celebrated winners of four awards for their contributions, efforts and performances within speed skating during the 2022-2023 season.
Congress 2023 Award Winners
USS and USOPC Volunteer Coach of the Year
Jacob Roberts
AAC Dedication to Sport
Ashley Granata
George Howie Award
Steve Trynoski
Eric Heiden Athlete of the Year
Jordan Stolz
The US Speedskating Hall of Fame Induction is in conjunction with the USS Annual Congress held May 15-20, 2023. 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 91 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.