Here's a sneak peek at three of Jennie's awesome photos from Bay City

Here's Jerry Search's photo of the World team, taken Sunday in Bay City (thanks to Brittany and Melinda for submitting it):

2003 World Short Track Team

courtesy Jerry Search and Southern California Speedskating Association

SLC Group Photo, taken Sunday Feb. 9 at the Utah Olympic Oval, courtesy Neil "Two-Dogs" Clark

Click to enlarge

Sullivan Awards Update

Wow - get this - Apolo and another nominee were almost ruled ineligible to receive the Sullivan Award because competitions prevent them from attending the awards ceremony.

Coughlin, AAU resolve Sullivan predicament

Reminder: Canadian Trials Coverage on Oval Audio

Don't miss LIVE coverage as Canadian stars fight for spots on the toughest team in short track.

Coverage starts at 1:00PM Mountain Time Friday and Saturday, and at 8:30am Mountain Time on Sunday.

Don't forget to check out archived coverage from past meets including the Canadian Long Track Championships and the US Short Track Championships, too.

Find it all at www.ovalaudio.com

For what's at stake, see this article: Pressure torqued way up
"When it comes to short track speed skating, there is no tougher national championship in the world than Canada's."

More SLC Photos

The SLC photo gallery is now up at Worldshorttrack.com. Corin's best work yet!

Addi sends this photo from Sunday in Bay City

Here is Anita having Apolo sign the 'Lord of the Rink' banner

Here's the latest US Speedskating auction:

2002 U.S. Speed Skating Media Guide----Signed

Jill from Short Track Monthly has this annoucement for fans attending Nationals later this month in Milwaukee:

I just wanted to send out an inventation to anyone who is going to the US National Short Track Champioship in Milwaukee March 21-23, we are having a get together there for anyone who wants to come, we have yet to choose the place for the get together, as it depends how many people would like to come. This is being thrown by the short track monthly owners and workers, but don't get us wrong we want everyone and anyone to come, even if you have never heard of our newsletter. We will also be handing out free issues of the newsletters, and will have speed skating related door prizes, hopefully some
signed stuff too! well anyways if you are AT ALL interested or have any questions e-mail me at short_track_monthly@yahoo.com we will then give you more information on time and place! thanks a lot! Jill

From Sonia - Video clip 1 - H2 Day 3

Option 1: Download clip here
http://www.angelfire.com/zine2/sheepdown/misc.html

Option 2: See top comment box for instructions on how to download

From Sonia and Janet - Video clip 2 - Part 3 of Seafair interview

Option 1: Download clip here
http://www.angelfire.com/zine2/sheepdown/clip3.wmv

Option 2: See top comment box for instructions on how to download

Bay City Wrapup

I think most everything has been said by now in the comments, but I kind of want to put a bow on this whole Bay City experience. When Pat interviewed me on Oval Audio (OMG, that was crazy, but fun - thanks Sue and Linda for 'requesting' me!) he asked me what the highlight of the event was. I think I froze for a second, because how do you pick just one? And of course, you can't. But I would echo what I said there, which is that the excellent organization of the event and warm welcome to all the fans are ultimately what made Bay City so special.

Apolo and Derek

Then there was all the fantastic racing: Apolo toying with his prey the competition; his deliberately slow start in one of the 1000m; lapping the pack twice in the 3000m; that wild relay. Not to mention little Barry Winslow showing what he is made of in his 3000m race; finally seeing Maria Garcia, whose reputation preceded her to Bay City; Caroline's dominance of the weekend; and great performances by Allison Baver and the always-cheerful but ailing-that-weekend Bridie Farrell and Rusty Smith. Can't forget Shani Davis and his great effort in pursuing his dream of making both world teams in the same season; the ready, shy smile of Bay City's favorite son Alex Izykowski; and Derek Gray, who has developed before our eyes into such a strong skater this season.

Ryan Bedford and Shani Davis step onto the ice

The relay

But I think it's safe to say that the emotional highlight of the weekend was at the banquet Saturday night, with Apolo's public words of appreciation for the community of short track fans. We are working on obtaining video of the moment, but in the meantime, thanks to Keiko, Junko and Dave for transcribing their tape for me after I was too tired on Sunday to stay awake a moment longer. It happened Saturday night when Apolo was called up to receive the ISU certificate commemorating his 1500m world record. Here are his words:

[Apolo accepted the framed certificate and explained that he had set the record in December 2001 at the Olympic Trials in Salt Lake, and that the ice there wasn't as nice as in Bay City.] 'I guess I can thank all the supporters who are new to the sport and traveled all the way to this competition and to past World Cups. And I'd like to thank [the] Internet-based community [of fans], 'cause I really think that has helped shine some light on short track. A couple of years ago, I was at [the Olympic] Trials and I never had such support. People have been so involved with short track. I think it's just going to keep on going up. I just want to say thank you to all the people who dedicate a portion of their lives to this sport. All the skaters really appreciate it. Thank you!'

It's our pleasure, Apolo. Thank YOU.

Derek Gray's mom sent this nice message to share with his Ohno Zone friends and supporters:

Dear Ohno Zone Friends, I want to thank you for all of your support, cheering and kindness shown to Derek over the weekend at the US championships. Despite skating his heart out, the officials robbed him of his rightful spot on the team, so it was a heartbreaking weekend for him. However, his many friends, including many Ohnozoners, made it just a little easier for him to take. For that, we are thankful, and I wanted to be sure you knew it. Derek will survive, and will be back better than ever!!! Thanks again, Nan Gray

Thanks to Maya for sending this in:

from the Detroit Free-Press:

"THIS AND THAT: Kudos to Al Izykowski and the Bay County Civic Arena for last weekend's U.S. short-track championships. For the competition, Izykowski, the event organizer, had the protective glass around the boards removed, adding to the intimacy of the races. "Instead of running a competition, Al ran an event," U.S. Speedskating president Andy Gabel said."

Here's another great shot of Apolo and Derek at the Bay City banquet, courtesy of Dian.

Apolo Ohno and Derek Gray at awards banquet, 3/1/03

More great Bay City Times coverage. Thanks Dian for the link!

Champion Ohno's in a class by himself

Introducing your 2003 U.S. World Short Track Team -- or is it Short Track World Team? Anyway, thanks to Yano for the shot:

back, l-r: head coach Stephen Gough, ass't coach Scott Koons, Rusty Smith, J.P. Kepka, Misi Toth, Apolo Anton Ohno, ass't coach Tony "Snaggletooth" Goskowicz, USS President Andy Gabel
front, l-r: Allison Baver, Caroline Hallisey, Maria Garcia, Brigid Farrell

I hear they'll be printing new postcards now! ;)

Here are a few more U.S. Championships-related links:

courtesy Daily News/DANIELLE RAPPAPORT

Ohno wins third straight national short track title (Midland Daily News)

Ohno skates to his fifth U.S. title on the short track (Detroit Free Press)

Izykowski pulls off tough balancing act at short track championships

Garcia gets her shot at World Championships ... finally

Lucinda sends this link:

from Midland (MI) Daily News:
Ohno, Hallisey continue dominance at Short Track Championships

Apolo takes a victory lap after the medal ceremony Sunday afternoon in Bay City

Apolo and Rusty share a victory lap after the medal ceremony Sunday afternoon in Bay City

Apolo greets fans Sat. afternoon in Bay City

Apolo greets fans Saturday afternoon in Bay City

I'm sorry I was away and not able to properly acknowledge the one year anniversary of ohnozone.net, but, as of February 27, we're ONE!! In honor of that day, let's post our first-ever pic from that day last year:

Ohno Zone Inaugural Photo

Apolo did a wonderful thing for the fans last night at the awards banquet. He was called up to receive an ISU certificate for his 1500m world record set at the Olympic Trials in 2001. When he received it, he spoke very movingly before 400 people of his thankfulness and appreciation of the support we fans are giving him and his sport. He specifically singled out the Internet community of fans and our presence there in Bay City and earlier in Salt Lake City. We felt the Apolo love last night! I wish I had time to write more and speak more eloquently myself, but must be going.

Afterwards, Apolo posed with our group for this photo.

Thank you Apolo, for everything! With love, from your OZ family.

Ohno Zone group photo with Apolo taken Sunday evening at awards banquet in Bay City, MI (click to enlarge)

Apolo and Derek Gray at awards banquet

Apolo receives a gold medal at the awards banquet Sunday night in Bay City

Maria Garcia and Caroline Hallisey receive medals at the awards banquet Sunday evening in Bay City