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Post by Laura (Lori) on Mar 12, 2013 7:56:13 GMT -8
J.R. Celski recently took time to explain the ins and outs of the sport to ESPN The Magazine’s Chris Gigley. Olympian explains short-track speedskatingBy J.R. Celski | U.S. speedskater / ESPN.go.com / March 12, 2013 The rules can't really protect you; The worst kind of foe is a desperate one; It's not all about raw speed; The Koreans dominate because it's a career choice; Despite the commotion during races, it's not cutthroat; We skate on water, not ice; Legends are made in the turns; Doctoring our blades is allowed... Read it all: espn.go.com/blog/playbook/fandom/post/_/id/19510/olympian-explains-short-track-speedskating |
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Post by osaycanusoc on Mar 12, 2013 12:36:21 GMT -8
Great interesting read JR, thank you!
At the risk of tainting an innocent and informative piece of work, I share the thoughts that immediately popped into my head as in some kind of short track rorschach test -
The rules can't really protect you; (meaning ALL the rules, including the bylaws and the code of conduct and usoc coaching ethics code)
The worst kind of foe is a desperate one; (how true, just look at the actions of the board and staff over the years)
It's not all about raw speed; (no, its about being good at SURVIVOR: THE POLAR SEASON, and, if you're really good, you get a gig on DWTS)
The Koreans dominate because it's a career choice; (the old guard dominate because it's not a 4 or 8 year volunteer term and it's done - it's a career choice)
Despite the commotion during races, it's not cutthroat; (only on the ice)
We skate on water, not ice; (we train, live and travel on smoke, mirrors and fumes - it's an illusion all the way around)
Legends are made in the turns; (legends are made mostly on their own, often in spite of many obstacles, which often make the turns look easy)
Doctoring our blades is allowed... (and allegedly so is the doctoring the other guy's blades too, if you're a coach and you resign before you have to testify)
I think I've become a little tainted... : (
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Post by Deleted on Mar 19, 2013 9:54:18 GMT -8
Per ISU guidelines we should know by June 1, 2013 if there will be any Short Track Events at the Oval leading up to Sochi. Deadline for Oly Trials notification is October 1, 2013.
Planned International Competitions for the season 2013/14
a) Speed Skating/Short Track Speed Skating
Each Member must announce to the ISU Secretariat by June 1st the International Competitions it intends to organize in the coming season, stating the class, place, date, type of track (indoor or outdoor, natural or artificial) and basic measurements of the track and ice surface. In the event of two or more Competitions being organized on conflicting dates on the same continent, the Director General shall immediately inform the Members concerned to co-ordinate the dates between them. The Members must inform the ISU of the arrangements made by July 1st (Rule 104, paragraph 14.a).
A Member which intends to organize an International Competition that has not been included in the relevant annual ISU Communications on International Speed Skating Competitions must submit the announcement to the ISU Secretariat for approval in order to have the Competition recognized with the status of an International Competition (Rule 104, paragraph 14.b).
In addition and in accordance with Rule 104, paragraph 14.c), each Member must announce to the ISU Secretariat, by October 1st, the National Championships, country matches and National Olympic Trials it intends to organize in the coming season, stating the class of National Championships or country match, as well as the date, place and track at which the respective National Championships or country matches are planned to be held.
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Mar 24, 2013 21:05:34 GMT -8
Haha, osaycanusoc - a very creative analysis! ------------------------- On another note: I've often wondered why certain skaters who appear to be non-US citizens are still able to compete in competitions that select the National Team - there have been a few in the past, such as Ansis Robs (Latvia) and Vicky Labourdette (Canada). Here's the Rule that offers the explanation, which came to my attention during some discussion of the eligibility controversy that happened at Junior US Championships in January: linkAs I understand this rule, a non-US citizen CAN compete for the USA in World Cups and World Championships (including Juniors), and the preceding USS-sanctioned selection competitions. If they have never competed for another country, they have to file certain paperwork. If they HAVE competed for another country in the past, they have to obtain a release from that country and (apparently) go through a 'waiting period', in addition to the paperwork mentioned above. Any non-citizen can compete in USS-sanctioned events that are NOT National Team selection competitions (such as American Cup 2). However, ONLY US citizens can compete for the USA in the Olympics and participate in Olympic Trials. Am I understanding this right? |
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Post by mtnme on Apr 18, 2013 8:42:20 GMT -8
Someone posted this very interesting - and timely - article on FB. Nancy Hogshead-Makar: Olympic Athletes Need Better Protections from Sexual Harassment and Assault"Getting Sexually Abusive Coaches Out of Sport
Reports of sexual abuse in Olympic sports are, regrettably, becoming common. In a typical case, a promising young athlete is groomed over a period of time for a sexual relationship with her coach. What legal protections do athletes competing on club and Olympic teams have from sexual harassment and assault? Title IX protects student-athletes, competing for their high school or university. Schools must identify possible threats of sexual assault and work to prevent the harm. Title IX requires schools to take immediate action to eliminate the harassment, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects. Similarly, Title VII requires employers to protect employees from sexual harassment and assault in the work place and to address grievances quickly"... And I found this paragraph especially interesting: "...The surprising answer is that there is no statute that similarly protects Olympic athletes from coach or peer sexual harassment or assault. And tort law has proven to be inadequate to protect victims, because many National Governing Bodies (NGBs) have structured their insurance agreements to make them effectively judgment-proof." ...not that I'm surprised...  Apparently our Olympic athletes under these agreements aren't even entitled to the same civil rights as the rest of us. pfffft! Now how does that work? And more importantly, how does the USOC and the NGB's get away with this? Read the rest here: www.womenssportsfoundation.org/home/she-network/education/olympic-athletes-need-better-protections-from-sexual-harassment-and-assault |
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Jun 7, 2013 20:50:47 GMT -8
I finally got the link to the list of current Category 1 skaters - kudos to Potomac Speedskating Club for posting it on Facebook! Here you go: usspeedskating.org/sites/default/files/2013-14%20Short%20Track%20Cat%201%20List_1.pdfSenior Cat 1:Eddy Alvarez Allison Baver Adam Callister Keith Carroll, Jr. J.R. Celski Sally (Yoo Young) Chea Chris Creveling Alyson Dudek Tamara Frederick Lana Gehring Cole Krueger John-Henry Krueger Katy Ralston Emily Scott Jeff Simon Jessica Smith Junior Cat 1:Lexi Burkholder Sally (Yoo Young) Chea Jacqueline Chen Josh Cummings Thomas Insuk Hong John-Henry Krueger Shaner LeBauer Benjamin Oh Ian Quinn Kristen Santos April Shin Aaron Tran Amanda Trimble Jae Kun Yoo Lauren Ziegelmayer The threads of the 'Farm Team' skaters who made the list have now been moved up to the 'Junior Varsity' board - the rest are either already on that board or the Varsity/Hall of Fame Boards. Congratulations to all of the Cat 1 skaters on your achievement!  |
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Jun 8, 2013 20:01:11 GMT -8
Yesterday my dear friend Lily was in town to watch her grandson Brett compete in the Special Olympics. When we talked about getting together, we decided to meet for Demorra Ice Club practice, then go out to eat afterwards. We had a blast - it was nice to be at the rink again (it's been awhile). "Everybody loves Lily", and I was just happy to be in her 'orbit'!  I didn't take any pictures inside the rink (they never turn out well), but here are a few from the guys' dryland training (their band workout) right afterwards:  Foreground, Eddy Alvarez & J.R. Celski; Behind them: Wilma Boomstra & Drew Clauser; Background: Joey Lindsey & Steve Muir  L to R: Rahim Laiwalla; Casey Mullarkey; Kyle Uyehara - it was nice to see Casey skating again after his injury at AmCup Final!  Steve Muir (left); Joey Lindsey (right)  Front pair: J.R. Celski & Eddy Alvarez. Behind them: Kyle Uyehara & Jeff Simon  Same pairs as above - but a better pic of Rahim in the background!  Foreground: Jeff & Kyle; Background: Rahim & Casey |
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Post by lilyover80 on Jun 11, 2013 9:33:07 GMT -8
Lori, thanks very much for posting these pics! I didn't take any so these are great to see. I'll show them to Brett this coming weekend! I always enjoy getting together with you! BTW, we took Brett & family to eat at that same restaurant after the Sunday events at Summer Games! Brett was so impressed with on-ice training when I took him there in early May, but he didn't get to see these dry-land workouts. He was quite pleased that Coach Wil and family came to support him at Special Olympics... and also getting to meet "skater-guy"/Kyle's mom, Jean! With your photos, Brett will try to remember the names of all the ''guys"... so THANKS for posting! |
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Jun 26, 2013 16:34:46 GMT -8
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Jun 27, 2013 17:07:10 GMT -8
Here's an article about a couple of the D.C. area clubs, who are always turning out top-level youth skaters! NASCAR on ice: Local speedskating putting down rootsSeveral high-ranked competitors train in Washington area by Jacob Bogage / Staff Writer / Gazette.net / Tuesday, June 25, 2013 Typically reserved for states with chillier climates and more available rinks, American short track speedskating is extending its grasp as local upstarts climb the ladder in the sport many call NASCAR on ice. In the junior category for those younger than 16, seven of the 15 highest-ranked male and female skaters are from Washington-area clubs, according to U.S. Speedskating’s elite “category one” rankings.
“You don’t need to go to Lake Tahoe or Salt Lake City to see and train with Olympic athletes,” said Alison Mittelstadt, vice president of the Potomac Speedskating Club. “You can literally do these things without leaving the suburbs.” Read it All: www.gazette.net/article/20130625/NEWS/130629695/1040/nascar-on-ice-local-speedskating-putting-down-roots&template=gazette |
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Jul 15, 2013 14:29:02 GMT -8
A little bit of 'lighter fare'... Those of you who've been to competitions can appreciate this (well, maybe about a minute of it...) - the almost 'hypnotic' effect of watching the Zamboni, making sure he gets that last slice of un-groomed ice. Here's a (looooong) video from the driver's perspective  : |
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Jul 17, 2013 17:20:03 GMT -8
No. Just... NO. Bad idea in 1980, bad idea now. Lindsey Graham: Boycott 2014 Olympics If Russia Gives Snowden AsylumThe Huffington Post | By Braden Goyette Posted: 07/16/2013 8:03 pm EDT | Updated: 07/17/2013 9:54 am EDT Read It All: www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/16/lindsey-graham-boycott-olympics-snowden_n_3607528.html--------------------------- ...and an encouraging response from House Speaker John Boehner (though we all know that these athletes have trained for a lifetime, not just 3 years - which makes the notion of a boycott even more egregious): Speaker John Boehner: Do not boycott the Winter OlympicsBy STEVE CONTORNO | JULY 17, 2013 AT 2:25 PM House Speaker John Boehner on Wednesday rebuffed Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham for suggesting that the U.S. should consider boycotting the upcoming Winter Olympics if fugitive spy Edward Snowden is allowed to remain in Russia.
“I love Senator Graham. We’ve been close friends for 20 years. But I think he’s dead wrong,” said Boehner, R-Ohio. “Why would we want to punish U.S. athletes who have been training for three years to compete in the Olympics over a traitor who can’t find a place to call home?”Read It All: washingtonexaminer.com/article/2533157 |
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Post by mtnme on Jul 17, 2013 18:29:12 GMT -8
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Post by mtnme on Jul 17, 2013 19:19:33 GMT -8
And under the category of SUPREME IRONY ...
Someone just pointed out to me that the reason Carter boycotted the Olympics was because Russia had - wait for it -
INVADED AFGHANISTAN!
uuummm, errrr, Pot...meet kettle...
You just can't make this sh*t up.
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Jul 17, 2013 21:38:33 GMT -8
Well, on the bright side, I'm not seeing any indication that this has gotten 'legs' - not a mention of it on radio or TV. I suppose that could change if Russia actually gives Snowden asylum - or when the media gets tired of talking about the Zimmerman trial...
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