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Post by Laura (Lori) on Apr 25, 2009 13:57:56 GMT -8
This thread is totally devoted to Katherine (Katy) Ralston, and is intended to be an archive of her skating career - as well as a place to chat about her accomplishments and encourage her as she pursues her goals both on and off the ice.
If you have any articles, photos, links and news about Katy (past or present), we'd love to see them!
If you are a non-member who would like to contribute news, photos, archives or comments, please feel free to contact us at:
lori@rocker-u.net or michelle@therockerfund.org
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Apr 25, 2009 23:43:59 GMT -8
Katherine sticks close to the pack (black/white, #112) at the US Jr. National Championships, late 2008. Photo Credit: Jerry Search
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Oct 5, 2010 8:38:05 GMT -8
Looby, Ralston injured during crash in 1,000Associated Press / USA Today / October 3, 2010 www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2010-10-03-3153098309_x.htmClarification: the article mentions that they were skating in the Class C American Cup race - it was actually the C Final of the ladies' 1000M. Update: Katy was treated for minor injuries and released Sunday, and has already flown back home. +++ WEST ALLIS, WIS. (AP) — Elizabeth Looby and Katherine Ralston were injured Sunday when they crashed during a 1,000-meter race in the American Cup short track speed skating championship. Looby, of Pittsford, N.Y., and Ralston, of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., collided and hit the retaining wall coming out of a turn during the competititon at the Pettit National Ice Center. They were skating in the Class C American Cup race. The two were rushed to Froedert Hospital after the accident occurred about 1:30 p.m. CST. Looby was cut behind her right inner thigh, which caused extensive bleeding that was visible on the ice while medics and skating officials tended to her. Ralston had unknown injuries. She was taken off the ice strapped to a body board, indicating possible concussion or neck injuries. Both skaters were conscious while being treated. Medical personnel were overheard saying Looby's blood pressure was good despite the blood loss.[/img]
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Oct 26, 2010 10:46:23 GMT -8
Katy's results from American Cup 1, Oct 2-3, 2010 - Milwaukee: 11th Overall 1500M - 4th (B Final) 500M - 1st (C Final) 1000M - DNF (C Final) 1500M Super Final - DNS Katy leads Mary Grace, Tamara Frederick and Sarah Chen at AmCup 1, Milwaukee. Photo Credit - Jerry SearchAs many of you know, Katy and Liz Looby were both injured in a frightening crash during the C Final of the Ladies’ 1000M race. Katy was skating very well up until the injury, and even after a DNF in the 1000M and a DNS in the 1500M, she still finished 11th overall! Tony Chung has posted the video of that 1000M race, and I’ve included the link below. It's uncomfortable to watch, but you'll see from Tony's introduction that the injured skaters were okay with it being 'out there'. This is part of Katy's skating history, and thankfully she turned out to be okay and has recovered nicely. Katy approved this posting - and maybe the publicity will help improve safety for all of our ST athletes... www.youtube.com/user/Zclyh3#p/a/u/2/U7YElndU8lITags: Katy Ralston / Short Track Speedskating
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Nov 20, 2010 23:53:57 GMT -8
Here are Katy's results from American Cup 2 – November 6-7, 2010 – Cleveland: 12th Overall 1500M - 5th (B Final) 500M – 5th (B Final) 1000M – 2nd (C Final) 1500M Super Final – 3rd (B Final) AmCup2, Cleveland. Photo Credit - Jerry SearchSee more of Jerry's photos at: www.nationalspeedskatingmuseum.org/Photo%20Albums/JerrysAlbums.htmTags: Katy Ralston / Short Track Speedskating
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Jan 2, 2011 9:33:20 GMT -8
Katy skated at US Championships, Dec 16-19, 2010 – Salt Lake City. Here are her results: 11th Overall 9-Lap Time Trial – 11th 4-Lap Time Trial – 7th 1500M – 1st (C Final) 500M – 2nd (C Final) 1000M – 2nd (C Final) 3000M – Penalty (B Final) Katy (#221) skates with Kimberly Derrick and Rachel Skrocki at US Championships, 2010. Photo Credit - Jerry SearchSee more of Jerry's photos at: www.nationalspeedskatingmuseum.org/Photo%20Albums/JerrysAlbums.htmTags: Katherine Ralston / Kimberly Derrick / Rachel Skrocki / Short Track Speedskating
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Jan 21, 2011 22:13:12 GMT -8
From what I'm hearing from Saratoga thus far, Katy's living up to expectations! Olympic AmbitionsJan 21, 2011 Apolo Ohno. Amy Peterson. Erin Porter. To those familiar with the world of Olympic speed skating, these names are legends. But before they made a name for themselves on the world stage, they got their start during the US Short Track Junior Speed Skating Championships, which this year take place at the Saratoga Ice Rink beginning January 21 through 23. Over 60 short track speed skaters, ages 12 to 18, are slated to take to the ice in this US Speed Skating sanctioned event, sponsored by the Saratoga Winter Club. The races are also being used to select the US Junior World Cup squad, who will compete during the 2011 World Junior Championships later this year in Courmayeur, Italy. “If you look back to this year’s 2010 Olympic team, the skaters were typically a part of the [US Short Track Jr. Speed Skating Championships.] Typically, all the way back to Apolo Ohno, skaters have gone through the road of the US Jr. Championships,” said Paul Ripchik, the Meet Director for the event. “It’s a very good indicator,” Ripchik continued, who believes there will be several skaters present at this weekend’s event that could end up competing at the winter Olympics in 2014. One such skater to keep an eye on, a top contender in the Jr. Speed Skating world, just happens to be a Saratoga Springs high school graduate. “I would say I was about 8 or 9 years old when I first put on a pair of skates,” said Katy Ralston, a Saratoga native who has spent the last year training with Olympic and World team speedskating members in Salt Lake City. “My dad had a pair of those old speed skates and at the time I was using figure skates. I thought, ‘wow, these skates look kind of crazy, I really want to try them.’ Competitively I started solely focusing on skating after my freshman year in high school,” Ralston said. “Katy is emerging as one of the top sprinters in the US, both as a junior and as a senior speed skater,” said Paul Marchese, the head coach of the Saratoga Springs Speed Skating club for close to ten years. “She’s kind of at the top for the junior rankings at the moment, so this is a big opportunity for her. I think she’s got a lot of potential, and I think she’s just beginning to realize that now as she has an opportunity to train full time.” Ralston, who is only 18, has her sights set on the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia. “I just want to be better and better every competition,” Ralston said. “I just want to keep improving and show people what I can do, and hopefully I can make it to the 2014 Olympics.” Read More: saratogatodaynewspaper.com/headline-news/2011/01/21/olympic-ambitions/Tags: Katy Katherine Ralston / Short Track Speedskating
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Jan 26, 2011 22:38:14 GMT -8
SPEEDSKATING: Katy Ralston earns spot on U.S. Speedskating Junior World Championship teamby Stan Hudy / The Saratogian / January 23, 2011 SARATOGA SPRINGS — Katy Ralston had one last chance in her final race as a junior skater to earn a spot on the U.S. Speedskating Junior World Championship team and she made the most of it. Read More: www.saratogian.com/articles/2011/01/23/sports/doc4d3cf8835bd77593970821.txt?viewmode=default+++ Tags: Katy Ralston / Short Track Speedskating The Saratoga Springs native, now training with the U.S. Speedskating team in Salt Lake City, Utah, raced to a third-place finish in the 1,500-meter junior ladies Super Final and earned a spot on the world championship squad, finishing second overall in points to Alexis Burkholder. “I knew I had to be first or second in the 1,500 to keep my first-place spot,” Ralston said. “I didn’t just want to finish, my goal was first or second. That didn’t happen and in short track skating, that happens.” Despite moving down the awards podium by one step, she still accomplished her initial goal. “The main goal was to make the world team,” Ralston said. “I was doing well in practice and my coaches said ‘I want you to win.’ I came in the time trials skating well and did my best.” Ralston captured the 500-meter final, earning 1,000 precious points that helped catapult her to the top of the ladies overall standings. “She has always been a skater that requires a good foundation of confidence,” Saratoga Winter Club coach Paul Marchese said. “It’s important for her to have a good time trial going into Saturday fit, rested and mentally prepared. “Then it was up to her in the 500 where she skated well and helped her roll into today,” Marchese said. “Her biggest goal was to make the team. Last year she was fifth and she had 12 months to think about it. It’s a great accomplishment.” Whereas Ralston dominated in the 500-meter sprint, the longer 1,500-meter race is more about positioning and making a move at the right time. “It is the longest distance and the 500 is my favorite,” Ralston said. “I tried my best. I’m happy with third, but not satisfied. “There is so much time, 13 and a-half laps,” Ralston said. “You have to get into position before the race starts to go crazy.” Saratoga Winter Club skater and Scotia-Glenville skater, David Skoda, didn’t make the world squad, but has a bright future ahead of him. Of course he is only 12-years-old. “My goal was to get a bunch of personal bests and not worry about place,” Skoda said. “I made the top 12 and I made it to the (1,500-meter) Super Final. It’s a big accomplishment for a 12-year-old.” Skoda followed the pack around the ice for most of the 13 ½ laps at the Weibel Avenue Rink, giving up more than a few inches in height and stride to his older, still junior-age level competitors. “At the beginning I was last and I wanted to hang back until there were four or five laps to go, and then go for it,” Skoda said. “I got into third, but messed up in one corner when I had people on both sides, then I tried to get it back in the last laps.” The Saratoga Winter Club has hosted numerous prestigious national and international level competitions in the past, this weekend allowed the local club and the area to shine. “It’s great to see another skater step up to the challenge at this prestigious event and follow in the footsteps of some of our other skaters,” Marchese said. “This is her first big step onto a championship team.” Ralston will have little time to enjoy her latest success as she must now focus on the World Junior Short Track Championships Feb. 25 to 27 in Courmayeur, Italy and also compete in several other meets prior to her departure. “I’m excited to race internationally against other girls my age from all over the world to see where I stand,” Ralston said. “To race girls from China, Korea and Canada, all over the world will be cool."[/img]
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Feb 7, 2011 10:27:09 GMT -8
Katy skated at Jr. US Championships - Jan 21-23, 2011 in Saratoga Springs, NY. She finished 2nd overall, earning a spot on the Jr. National Team, and will compete in all distances at Jr. World Championships in Courmayeur, Italy - Feb 25-27. Congratulations, Katy! 2nd Overall 9-Lap Time Trial – 2nd 4-Lap Time Trial – 2nd 1500M – 3rd (A Final) 500M – 1st (A Final) 1000M – 3rd (A Final) 1500M Superfinal – 3rd (A Final) Jr. World Team (Katy is front row, center – pink soles on her shoes). Photo Credit - Jerry SearchLadies’ Jr. World Team – L to R: Katy Ralston; Lexi Burkholder; Rachel Stewart; Kendal Pumphrey. Photo Credit – Jerry SearchKaty skates at Jr. US Championships. Photo Credit – Jerry SearchNICE candid shot of Katy, by Jerry SearchKaty gets a quick leg massage between races – Photo Credit: Jerry SearchSee more of Jerry's photos at: www.nationalspeedskatingmuseum.org/Photo%20Albums/JerrysAlbums.htmTags: Cole Krueger / James Rodowsky / John-Henry Krueger / Adam Callister / Kendal Pumphrey / Rachel Stewart / Lexi Burkholder / Katy Ralston / Short Track Speedskating
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Feb 23, 2011 17:30:18 GMT -8
Katy competed at American Cup 3 in Midland, MI (February 12-13, 2011). Here are her results:
Milestones: Highest Overall finish (4th) and best individual-distance finish (2nd) in a Senior-level competition.
4th Overall 1500M – 2nd (A Final) 500M – 1st (B Final) 1000M – 3rd (B Final) 1500M Superfinal – 6th (A Final)
Tags: Katy Ralston / Short Track Speedskating
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Mar 7, 2011 20:39:34 GMT -8
Katy represented the USA in Courmayeur, Italy at the Jr. World Championships (February 25-27, 2011). Here are her results: 1500M – Heats (2nd); Quarterfinals (4th) 500M – Prelims (2nd); Heats (2nd); Quarterfinals (4th) 1000M – Prelims (2nd); Heats (4th) 1500M SuperFinal – Did not qualify to skate 3000M Relay – Heats (2nd); Semifinals (4th) Katy in the lead at Jr. World Championships. Photo Credit - Jerry SearchSee more of Jerry's photos at: www.nationalspeedskatingmuseum.org/Photo%20Albums/JerrysAlbums.htmTags: Katy Ralston / Short Track Speedskating
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Jun 6, 2011 20:55:27 GMT -8
Here are Katy’s results from the American Cup Final - Wausau, WI (March 11-13, 2011): 6th Overall 1500M – 6th (B Final) 500M – 1st (B Final) 1000M – 2nd (B Final) 1500M Superfinal – 5th (A Final) Katy (#47) passes Brittany Salmon (#13) at the American Cup Final, March 2011. Photo Credit - Jerry SearchSee more of Jerry's photos at: www.nationalspeedskatingmuseum.org/Photo%20Albums/JerrysAlbums.htmTags: Katy Ralston / Brittany Salmon / Short Track Speedskating
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Oct 26, 2011 23:37:05 GMT -8
Katy competed at American Cup 1 in St. Louis, MO (Oct 1-2, 2011). Here are her results:
Milestones: Highest Overall finish in a National Team selection competition (10th); best finish in an individual distance in a National Team selection competition (2nd/B Final).
10th Overall 1500M - 8th (2nd/B Final) 500M - 8th (4th/B Final) 1000M - 10th (1st/C Final) 1500M Superfinal - 12th (6th/B Final)
Tags: Katy Ralston / Short Track Speedskating
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Mar 6, 2012 20:29:21 GMT -8
Katy competed at American Cup 3 (Feb 18-19, 2012), and she finished in FIRST PLACE OVERALL, winning every distance! Katy's been out for awhile with an injury - it's nice to see her coming back strong! Here are her results: 1st Overall1500M – 1st (A Final) 500M – 1st (A Final) 1000M – 1st (A Final) 1500M Superfinal – 1st (A Final) Ladies’ Overall Winners - L to R: Erin Bartlett (Silver); Katy Ralston (Gold); Sarah Burg (Bronze). Photo Source, USS Facebook - www.facebook.com/home.php#!/USSpeedskating Tags: Katy Ralston / Erin Bartlett / Sarah Burg / Short Track Speedskating
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Apr 17, 2012 11:24:52 GMT -8
Katy skated in the American Cup Final in Green Bay, WI (March 16-18, 2012). She was in every A Final, and finished in 3rd place overall in the event. Here are her results: 3rd Overall1500M – 2nd (A Final) 500M – 3rd (A Final) 1000M – 4th (A Final) 1500M Superfinal – 4th (A Final) Katy (#27, center) skates in the 500M A Final at the AmCup Final - L to R: Sally Chea; Katy Ralston; Kendal Pumphrey. Photo Credit: Jerry Search See More of Jerry’s photos: National Speedskating Museum Galleries: www.nationalspeedskatingmuseum.org/Photo%20Albums/JerrysAlbums.htmFacebook (public, but you must log into FB): www.facebook.com/home.php#!/media/albums/?id=540721480 Tags: Katy Ralston / Short Track Speedskating
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