Team USA speed skaters are encountering difficulties with soft ice conditions at the Milan Olympics, leading to several crashes during competitions. Top medal contender Corinne Stoddard fell three times, including in the 500-meter race, where she slipped and took out two opponents, costing her a chance to advance to the finals. She also lost control during the 2000-meter relay semifinals.Skaters have been slipping at the same spot on the track, coming out of a turn. Teammate Julie Letai fell similarly in the mixed-team relay shortly after. In the men’s 1000-meter event, British speed skater Niall Treacy slipped and collided with a Canadian skater. Skaters reported that the ice felt soft on the first day of competition. Short track and figure skating events share the same venue. U.S. Speedskating communications explained that figure skating requirements might call for softer ice, which is not unusual. They stated that skaters will adapt by changing their gear and making adjustments, but emphasized that when it comes to the speed skating Olympic competitions, “We all skate on the same ice.”Team USA trains at the Utah Oval, known for its superior ice quality. Long track skater Casey Dawson previously highlighted the facility’s reputation, saying, “We have some of the best ice technicians in the world working here.” Long track events are held at a different venue in Milan, where the ice conditions have been favorable, with Olympic records being set.Short track speed skating competition continues Thursday.W2lmcmFtZSBzcmM9Imh0dHBzOi8vaGVhcnN0dGVsZXZpc2lvbmRhdGFqb3VybmFsaXNtLmh0dmFwcHMuY29tL29seW1waWNzLzIvbWlsYW4taG9tZXRvd24vaW5kZXguaHRtbCIgc2Nyb2xsaW5nPSJubyIgZnJhbWVib3JkZXI9IjAiIHN0eWxlPSJ3aWR0aDogMDsgbWluLXdpZHRoOiAxMDAlICFpbXBvcnRhbnQ7IGJvcmRlcjogbm9uZTsiIGhlaWdodD0iODUwcHgiXVsvaWZyYW1lXQ==
Team USA speed skaters are encountering difficulties with soft ice conditions at the Milan Olympics, leading to several crashes during competitions.
Top medal contender Corinne Stoddard fell three times, including in the 500-meter race, where she slipped and took out two opponents, costing her a chance to advance to the finals. She also lost control during the 2000-meter relay semifinals.
Skaters have been slipping at the same spot on the track, coming out of a turn.
Teammate Julie Letai fell similarly in the mixed-team relay shortly after.
In the men’s 1000-meter event, British speed skater Niall Treacy slipped and collided with a Canadian skater. Skaters reported that the ice felt soft on the first day of competition.
Short track and figure skating events share the same venue. U.S. Speedskating communications explained that figure skating requirements might call for softer ice, which is not unusual.
They stated that skaters will adapt by changing their gear and making adjustments, but emphasized that when it comes to the speed skating Olympic competitions, “We all skate on the same ice.”
Team USA trains at the Utah Oval, known for its superior ice quality.
Long track skater Casey Dawson previously highlighted the facility’s reputation, saying, “We have some of the best ice technicians in the world working here.” Long track events are held at a different venue in Milan, where the ice conditions have been favorable, with Olympic records being set.
Short track speed skating competition continues Thursday.
