By Anthony Reynolds
Marquette, MI – The 2006 Men's and Women's U.S. Olympic short track speedskating teams were decided last night in Marquette. Apolo Ohno, Rusty Smith, Alex Izykowski, J.P. Kepka, and Anthony Lobello have qualified for the men's team, while Halie Kim, Allison Baver, Kim Derrick, Maria Garcia, and Caroline Hallisey comprise the women's team.
Ohno continued his dominance of the field by winning the 500 and 1000 Meter events, setting a new American 500 Meter record in the process and finishing with a 156.5 point lead over second place Smith. Fan favorite Shani Davis picked up 13 points with a strong finish in the 1000 Meter race, but came up short in his effort to become the first American to simultaneously compete on both the short and long track teams.
Members of both squads say the 2006 teams are even better than those of previous years, and every skater is a medal contender.
The Olympic short track events begin February 12th in Torino, Italy.
From left to right: Halie Kim, Allison Baver, Kim Derrick, Maria Garcia, and Caroline Hallisey.
From left to right: Anthony Lobello, Apolo Ohno, Rusty Smith, J.P. Kepka, and Alex Izykowski.
FINAL STANDINGS
Top five finalists in each division will represent the United States at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy.
Men
1. Apolo Ohno (225 pts.)
2. Rusty Smith (68.5 pts.) +1
3. Alex Izykowski (61.5 pts.) -1
4. J.P. Kepka (59 pts.) +1
5. Anthony Lobello (50 pts.) -1
6. Shani Davis (29.5 pts.) +4
7. Misi Toth (25 pts.) +4
8. Jordan Malone (22.5 pts.) -1
9. Ryan Bedford (22 pts.) -3
10. Travis Jayner (19 pts.) -2
11. Michael Kooreman (13 pts.) -2
12. Trevor Marsicano (5.5 pts.)
13. Derek Gray (2 pts.) +1
14. Eric Lee, Joey Lindsey, and Chris Weaver (0 pts.)
Women
1. Hyo-Jung (Halie) Kim (191 pts.)
2. Allison Baver (152 pts.)
3. Kimberly Derrick (82 pts.)
4. Maria Garcia (62 pts.)
5. Caroline Hallisey (45.5 pts.)
6. Kristen Biondo (31.5 pts.)
7. Amy Peterson (12.5 pts.)
8. Kira Fling (9 pts.) +1
9. Sarah Lang (7 pts.) +2
10. M. Tina Koenig (4.5 pts.) -2
11. Brigid Farrell (4 pts.) +1
12. Cherise Wilkins (4 pts.) +3
13. Jade Wheeler (2 pts.) +2
14. Carly Wilson (.5 pts) -2
15. Sophia Milan and Lezleigh Jaworski (0 pts.)