April 07, 2004
Apolo in Cleveland
Thanks to Sue for these 2 shots of Apolo in Cleveland!
Posted by noelle at 08:36 PM Comments (10)
Cleveland - Apolo on Podium
Posted by noelle at 08:35 PM Comments (3)
March 26, 2004
Jennie's Cleveland pics
Jennie's Cleveland Pics
I know a lot of people have been waiting for this -- Jennie has updated Sk8er Boy with her fabulous photos from Cleveland. Check them out!
Posted by noelle at 12:37 AM Comments (14)
March 08, 2004
Baillie's Cleveland Report
Twelve year old Baillie has kindly shared her photos and experiences from seeing short track and meeting Apolo for the first time at last month's U.S. Short Track Championships. Glad you had such a great time, Baillie!
Baillie and Apolo in Cleveland
Read Baillie's Cleveland report
UPDATE: Bryan Kubota, image courtesy of Lupe
Posted by noelle at 10:06 PM Comments (32)
March 05, 2004
Tiggie's Cleveland Report
Tiggie's Sunday Report from Cleveland
It was Sunday evening around 6, long after the last of the exhilarating events of the U.S. Championships, the awards presentations, and the team picture photo session. A large group of us was waiting in various parts of the arena lobby for the signed posters, which were being prepared. I want to make it clear that we were respectful of the skaters' time and energy, and we knew they would be tired.
Allison, Shani and Apolo in Cleveland 2/29/04
I noticed Apolo walking through the lobby with a big armload of things. We were respectful and didn't approach him. As he passed by, Melinda asked if he needed any help, and he said something like, "No thanks, I'm okay." A few steps later, he dropped some things, like medals. At this moment, he glanced back at us with the cutest, funniest little smile and look, as if to say, "Oops!"
The next time he walked by going back, he was wearing the beautiful "Short Track Speedskating" sweatshirt that April had designed. According to April, she, Molly & Lupe had met Apolo a bit earlier in the lobby and had asked about the sweatshirt, to which Apolo replied that he had worn it during warmups. April said they had wanted to take a picture of him wearing it. Apolo volunteered to go back and put it on. Isn't that the sweetest thing? So when he came by this time, wearing the sweatshirt, Melinda, wearing the same sweatshirt, asked for a picture. When we raised our cameras to photograph him, he said, "Oh, just me?" At this point, he grinned and opened his arms for anyone to come up and take a picture with him! OMG, he was so hilarious and adorable!
'Who wants to take a picture with me?'
Of course, one by one, fans came up to have their pictures taken with Apolo, and he was so warm and gracious. I was close enough to hear him sometimes say, "Hi" by name to the fans with whom he has become familiar. He was absolutely charming and lovely, as I have always observed him to be. On this particular occasion, he also seemed so comfortable and relaxed, even with the large group of us. When I shyly told him, "Congratulations," as he was picking up his things, he looked up at me and said, "Thanks for coming." I wanted to say that it was an honor and privilege to watch him skate, but no words came out.
'Doesn't anyone want to take a picture with me?!'
Then April, Molly & Lupe arrived and had their picture taken with Apolo, with all of them wearing April's gorgeous sweathshirt! Shani and Allison were waiting for Apolo, and when I asked to take a group pic of them, Apolo goes, "Oh, you want me in it?" OMG, he was just too cute and funny!
Cleveland was a blast! Apolo skated brilliantly and was absolutely breathtaking. He is so stunningly gorgeous. He is kind, thoughtful and generous. Who knew he was so adorably comical? I will always smile when I think of Cleveland. It was great to see again, and meet all the wonderful OZers, and those of you who weren't there were missed. Congratulations and thank you, Apolo!
Posted by noelle at 12:24 AM Comments (48)
March 03, 2004
Kimo and Apolo - Cleveland
Thanks to Jan and Kimo for these photos from Cleveland!
Apolo chats up Kimo in Cleveland
Posted by noelle at 11:26 PM Comments (33)
Cleveland Skaters
The fans went skating in Cleveland. Watch out, Milwaukee!
Posted by noelle at 11:25 PM Comments (15)
March 01, 2004
Pablo Galvez Photo
On the medal stand
©Pablo Galvez 2004
www.capturedmemories.ca
used by permission
Posted by noelle at 04:33 PM Comments (28)
Cleveland Returnees
Cleveland Returnees, Post Here
I received a request to start a thread for the Cleveland returnees to post their thoughts and stories in one place. The only thing I ask is that if you have a comment related to a specific thread that already exists, please continue writing in one of those threads. This one is for more general comments and comments that don't fit elsewhere. Thanks, and post away!
Posted by noelle at 01:47 PM Comments (58)
Press Coverage, Day 4
US Short Track Championships Press Coverage, Day 4
Cleveland Plain Dealer:
- Ohno skates to elite championship
"For the first time in these U.S. Short Track Speedskating Championships, the long-haired rock star of the event put an exclamation mark on his first-place finish and gave a glimpse of how he has brought intrigue, passion and scores of fans to short track speedskating." Read more
- Biondo going to World Championships
"Kristen Biondo swears that a year ago she never would have skated well enough to finish anywhere near the top of the heap in the shortest race of the competition." Read more
AP: Ohno Wins 1,000, 3,000m Speedskating
Posted by noelle at 10:07 AM Comments (8)
Bernadette Report, Day 3
Final Cleveland Update - Day 3 Report from Bernadette
Elite Men’s 1000m Heats
Apolo was in the first heat, along with Misi Toth, Zack Goldberg and Alex Izykowski. At the beginning of the race, he stayed behind in the pack, which was led by Misi, Zack and Alex. With 8 laps to go, Apolo made an inside pass to put himself into first position. However, first place was taken over by Alex when he made an outside pass. It wasn’t until 3 laps to go that Apolo made his move, with an inside pass to regain the lead, and this is where he stayed for the rest of the race. The final results were Apolo, Alex, Misi, and Zack.
Elite Men’s 1000m Semi
Apolo was in the second race, along with Derek Gray, Adam Duncan and J.P. Kepka. At the beginning of the race, Apolo was in third place, and at 6 laps to go he made his move, an inside pass to fall into second place. With 3 laps to go, he made an inside pass to move back into first place, where he stayed for the rest of the race. The final result was Apolo, J.P., Derek, and Adam.
Elite Men’s 1000m Final
The final consisted of Apolo, Rusty Smith, Mike Kooreman, and J.P. Kepka. From the get-go, they were gunning for the win, and for a while, Apolo was either in second or third place (there were a number of inside/outside passes that were being made). Apolo didn’t make his move until 4 laps to go, when he made an inside pass to place himself in 1st, where he stayed for the rest of the race. The final result was Apolo, Rusty, J.P., and Mike.
Elite Men’s 3000m Final
This final consisted of Apolo, Rusty, Mike, J.P., Anthony Lobello Jr., Derek, Alex, and Shani. He stayed behind in the pack at the beginning, and with 25 laps to go, he made an outside pass to put himself into first, but then fell behind the pack with 23 laps to go. With 16 laps to go, he was in third and stayed there for a while. At 3 laps to go that he made an inside pass to place himself into 1st, which is where he stayed for the rest of the race.
Elite Men 5000m Relay
Apolo was the team leader for the red team, and I’m not going to go into the details of the race, because it was that complicated. But at the end of it all, his team was DQ’d for something or another (I’m not too sure what it was. I couldn’t hear the reason for it). Needless to say that it was a hell of a lot of fun to watch!!
Posted by noelle at 12:53 AM Comments (18)
February 29, 2004
Apolo Ohno, U.S. Champion
Congratulations to 2004 U.S. Short Track Champion Apolo Anton Ohno, who won his 4th consecutive title today, and the 6th of his career.
Apolo Anton Ohno holds the trophy for men's overall champion during the U.S. National Short Track Speedskating Championships Sunday, Feb. 29, 2004, in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
Posted by noelle at 08:33 PM Comments (42)
U.S. Short Track Championships, Day 4
U.S. Short Track Championships, Day 4 - Overall Titles and World Team Decided
The U.S. Short Track Championships wrapped up today with the mens' and ladies' 1000m, 3000m and relays. Only the 1000m results counted toward the overall points that decided the mens' and ladies' championships. Both of last year's winners, Apolo Ohno and Caroline Hallisey, successfully defended their titles. Apolo's first overall gives him his 4th consecutive win and 6th career title, while Caroline is on #2.
Making history is Shani Davis, who becomes the first American man to earn a spot on both the U.S. long track and short track teams in the same season. What a feat! Only Bonnie Blair in 1986 has made both teams before.
***
The skaters who will represent the USA next month at the World Championships in Sweden (top 2 will skate individual distances):
2004 World Team - Men
Apolo Anton Ohno
Rusty Smith
Shani Davis
J.P. Kepka
2004 World Team - Ladies*
Caroline Hallisey
Allison Baver
Maria Garcia
Kristen Biondo
* Hyo-jung Kim finished 2nd in the competition but does not meet the ISU age requirement to compete at Worlds.
***
1000m and 3000m results
Click for results and photos from the 1000m finals
3000m A Final
Apolo Anton Ohno makes his move to pass slower skaters near the end of the Senior Men's 3000 meters at the U.S. National Short Track Speedskating Championships, Sunday, Feb. 29, 2004, in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
Men's 3000m A Final - Results: 1, Ohno, 4:54.419. 2, Davis, 4:55.889. 3, Smith, 4:56.891. 4, Alex Izykowski, 5:05.171. 5, Derek
Gray, 5:05.175. 6, Kooremen, 5:05.663. 7, Anthony Lobello, 5:09.736. 8, Kepka, 5:10.272.
Ladies' 3000m A Final - Results: 1, Kim, 5:21.296 2, Hallisey, 5:28.312. 3, Baver, 5:28.896. 4, Jade Wheeler, 5:38.282. 5, Biondo, 5:38.465. 6, Marin Austin, 5:51.563. 7, Cherise Wilkins, 5:53.134.
***
Overall standings - Men: 1. Ohno, 170 pts; 2. Smith, 85 pts; 3. Davis, 65.5 pts; 4. Kepka, 28.5 pts; 5. Kooreman, 19 pts; 6. Izykowski, 18.5 pts; 7. Gray, 18 pts; 8. Lobello, 11.5 pts; 9. Misi Toth, 6.5 pts; 10. Kreg Greer, 2 pts; 11. Ryan Bedford, 1 pt; 12. Adam Duncan, 0.5 pt
Overall standings - Ladies: 1. Hallisey, 123 pts; 2. H. Kim, 118 pts; 3. Baver, 65.5 pts; 4. Garcia, 49.5 pts; 5. Biondo, 29.5 pts; 6. Austin, 14.5 pts; 7. Wheeler, 13.5 pts; 8. Wilkins, 11 pts; 9. Kristen Bedford, 2 pts; 10. Erin Gleason, 1.5 pts; 11. Alice Kim, 1 pt
***
More results and info: Ohno and Hallisey Repeat as National Champions; Davis Makes History
Posted by noelle at 08:24 PM Comments (3)
Caroline Hallisey, U.S. Champion
Congratulations to 2004 U.S. Short Track Champion Caroline Hallisey, who won her second straight title today!
Caroline Halliday [sic] from Natick, Mass. holds the trophy for women's overall champion at the U.S. National Short Track Speedskating Championships Sunday, Feb. 29, 2004, in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
Posted by noelle at 05:30 PM Comments (17)
Hyo-Jung Kim skates with the boys
How cool is this?! From today's 5000m relay:
Hyo-Jung Kim takes over for Rusty Smith during the men's 5000-meter relay at the U.S. National Short Track Speedskating Championships Sunday, Feb. 29, 2004, in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Kim was the only woman to race with the men and her team finished second. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
Posted by noelle at 05:19 PM Comments (26)
Men's 1000m Final
Men's 1000m Final
Heard the results from Cleveland just now:
1000m final results: 1, Ohno 1:29.558. 2, Smith, 1:29.822. 3, Kepka, 1:30.144. 4, Kooreman, 1:30.634. Davis - DQ
Apolo celebrated by high-fiving the fans! Rusty was said to be all smiles afterwards. A couple AP photos are in too - more details later.
Apolo Anton Ohno begins to celebrate his win in the Elite Men's 1000 meters at the U.S. National Short Track Speedskating Championships, Sunday, Feb. 29, 2004, in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
Apolo Anton Ohno, leads Rusty Smith and J.P. Kepka through the final turn on his way to winning the Elite Men's 1000 meter race at the U.S. National Short Track Speedskating Championships, Sunday, Feb. 29, 2004, in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
Posted by noelle at 03:16 PM Comments (4)
Cleveland Ladies 1000m Final
1000m Ladies Final
Despite what the caption says, that's Allison Baver.
1000m final results: 1, Hyo-Jung Kim, 1:41.875 2, Hallisey, 1:42.025. 3, Biondo, 1:43.469. Baver, DQ
Hyo-Jung Kim, leads Caroline Hallisey past the finish line to win the Senior Women's 1000 meters at the U.S. National Short Track Speedskating Championships, Sunday, Feb. 29, 2004, in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
Posted by noelle at 03:10 PM Comments (10)
Cleveland Press Roundup
US Short Track Championships Press Coverage, Day 3
Today's coverage isn't all that fun to read. It's good to keep in mind that things were said to a reporter in the heat of the moment. Let's just hope the team can re-focus on the Worlds after today.
Cleveland Plain Dealer:
- Ohno takes the heat with win
" 'If I can't skate fast, I've got to slow it down," Ohno said. "I'm not going to be a rabbit and go out fast from the gate.' And he shrugged off Smith's criticism afterward, labeling it heat-of-the-battle emotion." Read more
- This teen is making a new name for herself
"So little is known of the 15-year-old that only Saturday did U.S. Short Track Speedskating officials learn one minor detail: Her name is Hyo-Jung Kim. She has been answering to the nickname Halie since she began competing for the United States just a few months ago."
Read more
AP: Apolo Ohno Leads in U.S. Speedskating
***
From Saturday's Plain Dealer:
- Speedskaters are making great strides on the ice
Posted by noelle at 01:30 AM Comments (87)
U.S. Short Track Championships, Day 3
U.S. Short Track Championships, Day 3 - 500m
The results are in from Saturday's 500m in Cleveland. With his win in the 500m, Apolo Ohno has virtually locked up his 6th U.S. title, since he has double the points of Rusty Smith, his nearest challenger (caveat: I don't know how the points work for this competition but it seems like a pretty comfortable margin).
Caroline Hallisey appears poised to defend her title successfully as well, though there appears to room in the ladies' standings for surprises on Sunday. Allison Baver and Maria Garcia are separated by just 2.5 points, with Allison 3rd overall and Maria 4th.
As far as Sunday's races, I believe only the 1000m counts toward the overall title and World team placement, though they will skate the 3000m and a relay as well.
500m play by play from Bernadette:
Elite Men 500m Heats
Apolo was in the first heat, along with Anthony Lobello Jr., Kreg Greer and Zack Goldberg. At the start, Zack was in the lead, followed by Anthony, Apolo, and Kreg. This positioning remained until 3 laps to go, when Apolo made an outside pass to move into second place. With 2 laps to go, he made an inside pass to put himself in first, which is where he finished.
Elite Men 500m Semis
Apolo was in the first semi, up against Mike Kooreman, J.P. Kepka, and Anthony Lobello Jr. Apolo led right from the start, followed by Mike and Anthony (at this point, J.P. had fallen). This was pretty much it for the rest of the race, though with 2 laps to go, Apolo has picked up the pace, and the others had fallen suit. Mike and J.P. were both DQ'ed for cross-tracking.
Apolo Anton Ohno crosses the finish line ahead of Rusty Smith during the elite men's 500 meters at the U.S. Short Track speedskating championships Saturday, Feb. 28, 2004, in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Ohno won the race with Smith finishing second. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Elite Men 500m Final
This was a really exciting race, as the final included Rusty Smith, Shani Davis, and Anthony Lobello Jr. Right from the get-go, the race was tight, and they skated in a really close pack, which was led by Apolo, followed by Rusty, Shani, and Anthony. With 3 laps to go, Apolo and Rusty really picked up the pace. This remained the positioning for the rest of the race, until the last corner just before the finish, when Rusty tried to make a move on the inside of the track to get his skate over the line first. However, Apolo still managed to win the race.
***
US Speedskating characterized the men's 500m finals as 'wild and wooly.' Due to a number of DQ's in the semis, the B final was a two-man race between Derek Gray and Misi Toth. Derek finished first but Misi got the win after Derek was DQ'ed for impeding.
The A final saw a close battle between Apolo and Rusty, who made a late charge at the line and subsequently slid across the finish. 'I'm still having equipment problems with my skates,' said Ohno after the final. 'But I tried to control the race and stay in front.'
In the ladies' A final, Halie Kim finished 4th after suffering a fall.
Caroline Hallisey comes out of the final corner ahead of Maria Garcia during the elite women's 500 meters at the U.S. Short Track speedskating championships Saturday, Feb. 28, 2004, in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Hallisey finished first and Garcia took second. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
500m A Final - Men
1. Apolo Anton Ohno, 42.858
2. Rusty Smith, 42.950
3. Shani Davis, 44.064
4. Anthony Lobello, 44.536.
500m B Final - Men
1. Misi Toth, 42.824
DQ - Derek Gray
***
500m A Final - Ladies
1. Caroline Hallisey, 45.529
2. Maria Garcia, 45.684
3. Allison Baver, 45.843
4. Hyo-Jung Kim, 1:12.323
500m B Final - Ladies
1. Kristen Biondo, 46.865
2. Cherise Wilkins, 47.152
3. Kristen Bedford, 49.395
***
Day 3 overall standings - Men:*
1. Ohno, 102 pts; 2. Smith, 51 pts; 3. Davis, 44.5 pts; 4. Kepka, 14.5 pts; 5. Lobello, 9.5 pts; 6. Gray, 8 pts; 7. Kooreman, 8 pts; 8. Alex Izykowski, 7.5 pts; 9. Toth, 6.5 pts; 10. Greer, 2 pts; 11. Ryan Bedford, 1 pt; 12. Adam Duncan, 0.5 pt
* Not clear why Gray and Kooreman aren't listed as tied since they both have 8 points
Day 3 overall standings - Ladies:
1. Hallisey, 81 pts; 2. H. Kim, 50 pts; 3. Baver, 47 pts; 4. Garcia, 44.5 pts; 5. Biondo, 11.5 pts; 6. Wilkins, 9 pts; 7. Marin Austin, 8.5 pts; 8. Jade Wheeler, 3.5 pts; 9. Kristen Bedford, 2 pts; 10. Erin Gleason, 1.5 pts; 11. Alice Kim, 1 pt
Results via US Speedskating
More info: Hallisey and Ohno Win 500-Meter Finals, Maintain Leads at U.S. National Short Track Championships
Posted by noelle at 12:45 AM Comments (11)
Cleveland 500m final
A couple more AP photos from today's races...
Apolo Anton Ohno, Rusty Smith and Shani Davis glide through a turn during the elite men's 500 meters at the U.S. Short Track speedskating championships Saturday, Feb. 28, 2004, in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. They finished the race in that order. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Posted by noelle at 12:41 AM Comments (5)
Apolo 500m Semi
Apolo Anton Ohno, rounds the final turn as Zack Goldberg crashes during a quarterfinal of the elite men's 500 meters at the U.S. Short Track speedskating championships Saturday, Feb. 28, 2004, in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Ohno won the heat. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Posted by noelle at 12:40 AM Comments (1)
February 28, 2004
US ST Ch. Press Coverage, Day 1 and 2
US Short Track Championships Press Coverage, Days 1 and 2
Here's a selection of press coverage from the past 2 days of the US Short Track Championships:
Cleveland Plain Dealer:
- Smith steals show, but not a victory
"If Apolo Anton Ohno is the look of short track speedskating, [Rusty] Smith is the attitude. 'What he did was amazing,' said Tony Goskowicz, the United States' short track coach. 'To fall down and still finish third [in the 1500m] is incredible.' Read more
- Olympic heroine Blair remembers short roots
"[Bonnie Blair] began her career in short track and was the 1986 world champion." Also discusses 'new strategy' by Apolo in yesterday's 1500m. Read more
AP: Ohno leads in U.S. short track
Thursday Plain Dealer coverage
- Fresh faces shine in ladies time trials
- Fire on ice: Local skaters stay in chase
Posted by noelle at 09:45 AM Comments (9)
February 27, 2004
Apolo wins 1500
Official results aren't out yet, but thanks to the AP's photo captions, we can deduce some of tonight's results from Cleveland - including Apolo's 1500m victory (looks like Shani was 2nd and Rusty 3rd)....
Apolo Anton Ohno waves to the fans after receiving his gold medal for winning the elite men's 1,500 meters at the U.S. Short Track speedskating championships Friday, Feb. 27, 2004, in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Posted by noelle at 11:58 PM Comments (11)
Caroline Wins 1500
... and Caroline won the ladies 1500m tonight!
Caroline Hallisey, leads the field on her way to winning the elite women's 1,500 meters at the U.S. Short Track speedskating championships Friday, Feb. 27, 2004, in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Posted by noelle at 11:57 PM Comments (2)
U.S. Short Track Championships, Day 2
U.S. Short Track Championships, Day 2 - 1500m
It was another exciting day in Cleveland, with some close calls and good comebacks. There is no more 3-way tie for first among the ladies!
First, the play-by-play, courtesy of Bernadette:
1500m semi: Apolo skated in the first semi tonight, grouped with Alex Izykowski, Kreg Greer, Ryan Bedford, and Anthony Lobello Jr. Apolo was really late at the start and was last off the line, giving the other guys about 3 metres head start, but with 12 to go, he already made his move, an inside pass into 1st. With 11 laps to go, Alex made an outside pass to move into first, but Apolo moved back into first place with 9 laps to go. With 6 laps to go, Alex made another inside pass to move into first, but Apolo made an outside pass to move back into first. There seemed to be some sort of a scuffle, where Apolo wasn't leading, but with 4 laps to go, he made another inside pass to move back into first, and subsequently won the race.
Apolo Anton Ohno, Shani Davis and Rusty Smith head through a turn during the elite men's 1,500 meters at the U.S. Short Track speedskaing championships Friday, Feb. 27, 2004, in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. They finished in that order. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
1500m final: The men's final consisted of Apolo, Alex, Rusty Smith, Mike Kooreman, Derek Gray and Shani Davis. Right from the start, they were really pushing for a fast race. Rusty was leading, and there seem to be a slip-up, where Apolo had a close call, but he managed to maintain his composure (not that he was falling over himself or anything like that). Rusty was still leading with 10 laps to go when he fell (you can read the write-up on the rs.com forums), and Apolo was able to take the lead. With 8 laps to go, Derek made an inside pass to take over first, and up until the 5 laps to go mark, there were a number of passes made where Derek, Apolo and Alex were gunning for first. With 5 to go, Apolo was back in first, and that's where he stayed for the rest of the race.
The medal ceremony was pretty funny too. At the end of it, no one could find Rusty or Shani, so the officials waited for a while to see what would happen. No luck, so they proceeded with the medal presentation. Apolo was standing up on the medal ‘podium’ by himself, when Rusty comes from the right side of the arena yelling, ‘Apolo!! Wait!! Don’t go!!’ The crowd got a laugh out of that.
***
And the quotes, courtesy of US Speedskating:
1500 final: Ohno pushed the pace early in the race, sprinting to the lead with Rusty Smith. But a slight slip by Ohno on the second lap caused him to slow the pace and wait until the final two laps to make his move to the front and cross the line first.
"I'm preparing for the World Championships," said Ohno of his strategy in the race. "I'm racing like I need to race for that competition. I slipped a little bit on that turn, so I had to hold back a little."
Smith finished [third], recovering from a fall in the early going to rejoin the pack and make a run for the medals.
"At the beginning, Shani and I clicked and I went down," Smith said. "But that's short track. You take your eye off for a second and your down."
Smith also knew that Ohno's early slip changed the face of the race. "Apolo slipped very bad, otherwise it would have been a different race," said Smith.
***
1500m Final - Men
1. Apolo Anton Ohno, 2:18.673
2. Shani Davis, 2:18.906
3. Rusty Smith, 2:19.010
4. Derek Gray, 2:19.357
5. Alex Izykowski, 2:20.263
6. Michael Kooreman, 2:20.560
1500m Final - Ladies
1. Caroline Hallisey, 2:36.403
2. Halie Kim, 2:36.894
3. Allison Baver, 2:37.060
4. Marin Austin, 2:38.510
5. Kristen Biondo, 2:38.649
DQ - Maria Garcia
***
Day 2 overall standings - Men:*
1. Ohno, 68 pts; 2. Davis, 31.5 pts; 3. Smith, 30 pts; 4. J.P. Kepka, 14.5 pts; 5. Kooreman and Gray, 8 pts; 7. Izykowski, 7.5 pts; 8. Greer, 2 pts; 9. Lobello, 1.5 pts; 10. Misi Toth, 1.5 pts.
* Kooreman and Gray tied for 5th; unclear why Lobello and Toth aren't listed as tied for 9th.
Day 2 overall standings - Ladies:
1. Hallisey, 47 pts; 2. H. Kim, 42 pts; 3. Baver, 34 pts; 4. Garcia, 23.5 pts; 5. Austin, 8.5 pts; 6. Biondo, 6.5 pts; 7. Cherise Wilkins, 6 pts; 8. Jade Wheeler,
3.5 pts; 9. Erin Gleason, 1.5 pts; 10. Alice Kim, 1 pt
Posted by noelle at 11:55 PM Comments (3)
Time Trials 1
Two more from Jennie, taken last night in Cleveland!
Apolo Ohno skates at the time trials at the US Short Track Championships in Cleveland, Thursday 2/26/04
Posted by noelle at 05:02 PM Comments (4)
Time Trials 2
Posted by noelle at 05:01 PM Comments (7)
February 26, 2004
U.S. Short Track Championships - Day 1
U.S. Short Track Championships, Day 1 - Time Trials
This U.S. Championships is already shaping up as an exciting competition. At stake are those coveted spots on the World team as the top skaters vie to represent the USA next month at the World Championships in Sweden. Today's competition consisted of the men's and ladies 4- and 9-lap time trials. I believe the top 16 from today comprise the field that will compete for the rest of the weekend for both championship honors and the berths on the World team.
Things began fairly predictably on the men's side, with Apolo Ohno and Rusty Smith falling comfortably into their familiar 1-2 overall position. Things are more interesting chez les dames, however, with Allison Baver, Maria Garcia and U.S. Junior champ Halie Kim locked in a 3-way tie after today's time trials!
******
9 Lap Time Trial Results - Men
1. Apolo Anton Ohno, 1:26.370
2. Rusty Smith, 1:26.913
3. Shani Davis, 1:28.400
4. J.P. Kepka, 1:29.116
5. Michael Kooreman, 1:29.503
(Other notable names: 6. Alex Izykowski; 7. Anthony Lobello; 9. Misi Toth; 10. Derek Gray)
9 Lap Time Trial Results - Ladies
1. Halie Kim, 1:34.415
2. Allison Baver, 1:35.024
3. Caroline Hallisey, 1:35.425
4. Maria Garcia, 1:36.213
5. Cherise Wilkins, 1:36.332
(Other notable names: 6. Kristen Biondo; 7. Jade Wheeler; 9. Penelope Lang; 11. Alice Kim; 12. Kira Fling)
***
4 Lap Time Trial Results - Men
1. Apolo Anton Ohno, 37.188.
2. J.P. Kepka, 37.778.
3. Rusty Smith, 37.908
4. Shani Davis, 38.339.
5. Michael Kooreman, 38.917.
(Other notable names: 6. Misi Toth; 7. Alex Izykowski; 8. Anthony Lobello; 9. Derek Gray)
4 Lap Time Trial Results - Ladies
1. Maria Garcia, 41.253
2. Allison Baver, 41.603
3. Caroline Hallisey, 41.631
4. Halie Kim, 41.728
5. Cherise Wilkins, 42.018
(Other notable names: 7. Alice Kim; 8. Jade Wheeler; 9. Kira Fling; 10. Penelope Lang; 12. Kristen Biondo)
***
Day 1 overall standings - Men:* 1. Ohno, 34 pts; 2. Smith, 17 pts; 3. Kepka, 14.5 pts; 4. Davis, 10.5 pts; 5. Kooreman, 5 pts; 6. Izykowski, 2.5 pts; 7. Toth, 1.5 pts and Lobello, 1.5 pts; 9. Adam Duncan, 0.5 pt
* Toth and Lobello tied for 7th
Day 1 overall standings - Ladies:* 1. Baver, Garcia, and H. Kim, 21 pts; 4. Hallisey, 13 pts; 5. Wilkins, 5 pts; 6. Biondo, Wheeler, and Erin Gleason, 1.5 pts; 9. A. Kim, 1 pt; 10. Marin Austin, 0.5 pt.
* Baver, Garcia H. Kim tied for 1st; Biondo, Wheeler and Gleason tied for 6th.
More info: Ohno, Kim and Garcia Win Time Trials at U.S. Short Track Championships
Posted by noelle at 10:06 PM Comments (16)
US ST Championships Predictions
U.S. Short Track Championships - Official Ohno Zone™ Predictions
We're going to go out on a limb here at OZ and make some predictions as to how this weekend's competition is likely to shake out. (The use of 'we' is a cover, in case you couldn't tell. We aren't usually so daring.)
OZ makes the not-so-bold prediction that Apolo Ohno will claim his 6th U.S. title, with Rusty Smith winning 2nd overall. The real contest is for the number 3 and 4 spots on the men's World team. Among the top contenders are Shani Davis (coming off an extraordinary long track season), Derek Gray, Alex Izykowski, J.P. Kepka, Mike Kooreman, newcomer and reformed inliner Anthony Lobello, and Misi Toth. We think the 3rd spot has Shani's name on it. Number 4 is really anyone's guess. (While we have a suspicion, we are too chicken to declare it here.)
As for the ladies, look for Korean-American newcomer Hyo-jung 'Halie' Kim to win top honors, after her come-from-nowhere win and near sweep at the U.S. Juniors in December. At 15, Halie is too young to compete at the Worlds, so even if she wins the title, all 4 ladies' spots on the World team are up for grabs.
Allison Baver has had a very strong season and emerged as the winner of American Cup #1 last November. We think she'll finish 2nd in Cleveland Heights, which would make her the top U.S. lady heading into Gothenburg. It's likely to be close among Allison, Maria Garcia and defending champ Caroline Hallisey. We believe Caroline's experience will propel her to a third-place or higher finish, with Maria in 4th.
The 5th place finisher (and 4th spot on the ladies' team) is a wildcard. Bridie Farrell is absent as she continues her rehab from knee surgery last fall. Among those contesting that final spot will be World Cup team member Kristen Biondo and the SoCal contingent made up of Jade Wheeler, Lezleigh Jaworski and Alice Kim, plus East Coaster Penelope Lang. As with the men, OZ has no prediction for who will claim that 4th spot this weekend. Unlike with the men, it's because OZ has no idea!
***
We should note that we like all these guys and gals, and wish them all the best of luck. If only they could all make the team!
Posted by noelle at 08:43 PM Comments (3)
Cleveland Practice 4
Here are three more of Jennie's great photos, from last night's practice in Cleveland...
Apolo Ohno at practice on the eve of the U.S. Short Track Championships, Cleveland Heights, Ohio, 2/25/04
Posted by noelle at 06:12 PM Comments (6)
Cleveland Practice 5
Posted by noelle at 06:10 PM Comments (3)
Cleveland Practice 6
Posted by noelle at 06:09 PM Comments (18)
Cleveland Plain Dealer article
Ohno carrying his sport on the fast track
via Cleveland Plain Dealer
"When he goes to the grocery store, usually he's decked out in simple warm-ups, just coming from or going to another workout. Apolo Anton Ohno never shouts his very cool name and laundry list of accomplishments aloud, and he doesn't hold a marker ready to sign autographs when he's running errands." Read more
Posted by noelle at 10:28 AM Comments (32)
February 25, 2004
Cleveland Practice 1
Many thanks to Jennie for sending in the following photos taken last night in Cleveland at the team practice - yes, the star-spangled skinsuit is alive and well. ;)
Apolo Ohno on the ice Tuesday 2/24/04 at the Cleveland Heights Community Center, prior to the U.S. Short Track Championships
Posted by noelle at 07:38 PM Comments (26)
Cleveland Practice 2
Misi Toth and Apolo Ohno at practice Tuesday in Cleveland Heights
Posted by noelle at 07:36 PM Comments (4)
Cleveland Practice 3
Apolo Ohno at practice in Cleveland, 2/24/04
Posted by noelle at 07:35 PM Comments (5)
February 22, 2004
Cleveland PD Article
From today's Cleveland Plain Dealer:
Olympic sports lover's dream
"In the city and in the suburbs they are preparing, readying for the stars that will surely be there and the crowds they hope will come. The U.S. Short Track Speedskating national championships run Thursday through Sunday at the Cleveland Heights Community Center. The event is headlined by 2002 Olympic gold medalist Apolo Anton Ohno." Read more
Posted by noelle at 09:15 AM Comments (12)