Back at the Pacific Coliseum...

It's been six years since I removed inline frames from my fitness boots and replaced them with my first pair of speedskating blades. It was a humble beginning to start out on the ice with other's who've made it look "all so easy." There is one--who has always made it look so easy--JR Celski. Here is his Dad, Bob Celski, watching the instant replay of the USA bringing home the Gold in the 5000m Relay.



It was very exciting to watch JR be an integral part of a winning team. I've skated with him a few years ago in Tacoma, WA, before he went on to train with the US team in Southern California. Back then, he didn't have any opportunities to train with anyone else of his caliber. It was clear he had unrealized talent--even when he competed at the interclub meets in the Southern Mainland of British Columbia. I remember him always having such precise balance--to the point that he rarely skated without his hands behind him. He comes from a very talented family of skaters and it's clear in how he reflects this on the ice.














Having watched Apolo's races on youtube.com and other video sources, it is clear that some of his best 1000m's are skated when he holds in 3rd or 4th place at 4 laps to go. He has such a huge amount of compression he can build into a sprint or take over another skater to move himself to the front for the win. He was able to display this skill in the 1000m semi-final this afternoon, but it was a different situation in the final 1000m.



Korea took the lead off the line with Apolo in tow. About four laps into the race, Apolo had built up a bit of speed by skating a wider track. Eventually, Korea was overtaken and there was a struggle for lead for a couple laps. By this time, the two Canadians had managed to hold tightly behind Apolo's draft and were contending with the Korean for position. By the time they got past Apolo, it was clear Canada would get 2nd & 3rd. It was disappointing to see the end result, but it was clear this was not going to be his race--with Korea being the rabbit and the Canada pulling close behind in Apolo's draft.

There are many reasons why China holds the WR in the Women's 500m, but it is such an eye-opener to see how far ahead they can be--especially in the 500m. What is evident, is that the equation of compression=speed is clear. The tempo she holds is so much lower than the rest of the field, it can only be said that it is due to sheer power.



Usually it is not that interesting to watch a start, but for the sake of reviewing pictures, it gives you a better angle on analysis of false starts. As you can see here in this shot of China in 4th position, it is clear it was a false start.