Ohno Zone: October 10, 2004 - October 16, 2004 Archives

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October 16, 2004

Calgary Olympic Oval Invitational #1 - Day 1 Results

The first of two Calgary Oval invitational competitions began Friday. U.S. team members are competing there, and the World Cup team has also spent a few days training in Calgary prior to their departure for the season's first two World Cups in China.

First of all -- the 'out of competition' results (I have no idea what this means, other than the competitors won't be ranked or given points):

Men - 1500m (out of competition)
1. Apolo Anton Ohno - 2:16.84
2. Rusty Smith - 2:16.92
3. Shani Davis - 2:18.07
4. Michael Friesen (CAN?) - 2:18.78
5. J.P. Kepka - 2:21.37
6. Olivier Jean (CAN) - 2:25.10

There was also a 500m out of competition race. Weirdly, the guys evidently finished in the identical order to the 1500m, except that Michael Friesen was a DNF.

Women - 1500m (out of competition)
1. Hyo-jung Kim - 2:22.99
2. Allison Baver - 2:24.53
3. Maria Garcia - 2:37.14
4. Kristen Biondo - 2:40.21

Overall results for the 'in competition' events that took place yesterday:

Men after Day 1
1. Richard Shoebridge (CAN) -- 1000 pts.
2. Cory Rasmussen (CAN) -- 816 pts.
3. Anthony Lobello -- 666 pts.
4. Derek Gray -- 543 pts.
5. Mike Kooreman -- 443 pts.
6. Ryan Cox -- 362 pts.

Going down the list, other American men are listed with the following point totals after Day 1:
Adam Duncan -- 295 pts.
Alex Izykowski -- 86 pts.
Nicholas Frank -- 24 pts.

Women after Day 1
1. Brigid Farrell -- 1000 pts. (welcome back, Bridie!)
2. Cherise Wilkins -- 816 pts.
3. Marin Austin -- 666 pts.
4. Carly Wilson -- 543 pts.

Complete results are available from the Calgary Oval web site.

Posted by noelle at 10:56 AM | Comments (2)

October 15, 2004

'I love everything sports stand for' --Apolo Anton Ohno

Here's a little treat from McDonald's and Sports Illustrated, called Hangin' With Apolo Ohno. This 'special advertising section' in the Oct. 18 issue of SI features an interview with Apolo -- it's actually better than what 'real' interviews often manage.

There is some new information in here, with Apolo discussing his 2002 visit to his grandparents in Japan, plus Apolo's top music and sports movie picks. Hats off to McDonalds!

(Click the image for a full-size scan of the interview.)

Posted by noelle at 10:09 AM | Comments (11)

October 12, 2004

Marquette Mining Journal: Speedskating director likes USOEC program

Derrick Campbell is still adjusting to his new role as managing director of U.S. Short Track Speedskating, but he seems to know a good thing when he sees one.

"The USOEC program is the future of our sport," Campbell said while touring the center this past weekend. "I would like to see the USOEC continue to fulfill a role in the progression of talent." Campbell was in Marquette on a routine visit to meet with speedskating coaches and athletes he supervises, and USOEC leadership.

Although he visited the center as an athlete in the early 1990s, this was his first visit in his new position. Campbell was named to his post in August after leading the short track program at the University of Calgary in Canada.

Originally from Cambridge, Ont., Campbell was Canada's short track national coach in 2000.

During his 16 years in skating, he made the Canadian Olympic team three times (1992, '94 and '98), helping lead the team to a short track gold medal in 1998 in the 5000 meter relay, and a former world record holder in three events.

Campbell is hoping that as director of the U.S. Speedskating, he can use his experience to improve what is already a strong operation.

"We've (the United States) had some international success," he said. "I hope with my experience as an athlete and coach we can take it to the next level."

Campbell's vision for U.S. Speedskating leans heavily on the theory of reloading - rather than rebuilding - after a group of successful skaters leaves the sport.

"When a top group leaves, there needs to be a strong group ready to fill their shoes and a group after that ready to fill those shoes," he said.

Part of that process is establishing the right niche for each training center, and, at this point, the USOEC fills an important position in the chain of events.

"I'd like development to get better here, so all the training centers are competitive," Campbell said. "I'd love to see the skaters here challenge the lead group."

Although Campbell's role is primarily to direct the development of talent, he recognizes that Marquette is special, particularly when it comes to hosting events like the World Cup Short Track championships in 2003.

"When you have a host city that is enthusiastic and demonstrates such willingness to host an event . . . to have that support in a peripheral sport like speedskating is rare and refreshing."

Campbell admits to not attending the World Cup, but Canadian skaters under his tutelage did attend as competitors.

"My guys returned with glowing reports. They said the crowd had great energy, and threw their support behind a Canadian if an American wasn't skating."

When asked if all that may promote future events in Marquette, Campbell hedged, but was optimistic.

"The World Cup set the bar in terms of how a short track event can be held," Campbell commented. "You've got history here."

via Marquette (MI) Mining Journal

Posted by noelle at 4:06 PM | Comments (1)

Madison World Cup website

Bosideng ISU World Cup Madison Tickets for the Thanksgiving weekend short track World Cup in Madison, WI are now on sale. US Speedskating has put up a web site with information on the upcoming competition with links to purchase tickets as well as plan your stay in Madison. Preliminary heats will take place Friday and Saturday afternoons, with relays plus event semifinals and finals both evenings. Sunday, the longest day of the weekend, will be a full day of competition starting at 1pm.