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Shelley Osterloh ReportingAmericans set a new World Record yesterday and a new US record set today at the Long Track Speedskating World Cup. Four US Skaters were on the podium today at the Utah Olympic Oval.
World inline champion turned speedskater, Chad Hedrick, started the day by adding his name to the Olympic Ovals World Record Sign. Yesterday he set the record in the 1500 meter, adding it to the world record he set last weekend in the 5000. But by the end of the day, only one record would still stand.
A Dutch Skater set a new world record in the 5000 and Hedrick finished third. Hedrick said it will just make him work harder for Torino.
Chad Hedrick, World Record Holder: “You know it’s going to be a long season and with the Olympics coming up, to have two world records in one week is a good feeling."
Shani Davis set a new US Record in the men's 100 meter racing, breaking the record Joey Cheek set. Cheek finished third in that event. Kip Carpenter finished 6th, Casey FitzRandolph 11th.
Jennifer Rodriguez took home a bronze medal in the 1000 meter event; she took the silver Friday.
It was a good showing for American athletes who say it’s all building up to their peak performance in February.
Jen Rodriguez, Olympic Bronze Medalist: "Obviously that the main goal of the year, not a world cup here, but so hopefully I’m at least on the right path for February."
Casey FitzRandolph, Olympic Gold Medalist: "The goal is to get up there on the podium this weekend, but if that doesn’t happen, there are more chances."
Kip Carpenter, Olympic Bronze Medalist: "If I take a tenth of second of here and tenth of a second of here, when, at the big show hopefully ill do well.”
That chance at the podium continues tomorrow with more World Cup speedskating action at the Olympic Oval in Kearns.
