tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52741883554938948872024-03-06T02:08:58.008-06:00Team Swider-PeltzUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger191125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274188355493894887.post-38691832557138080972019-01-09T07:00:00.000-06:002019-01-10T16:54:50.876-06:00One Year Out - 2018 Olympic Trials, Will Not Be Forgotten (By Nancy Sr.)<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">T</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">o all of you reading this, my purpose is twofold:</span></span></div>
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<li><b style="font-size: 11pt;"> To thank and let you know that for the last 365 days, I (we) have thought often of you (names below) and how we had hoped you to share an Olympic dream alongside of us. I think of how so many of you not only supported us in presence, in heart and financially but then responded in a big way with letters and words to US Speedskating (USS) and the US Olympic Committee (USOC).<a name='more'></a></b></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b>A challenge for you in the speedskating community to continue to confront a status quo in the American speedskating world that consistently and without accountability harms many speedskaters–particularly those with little representation within USS–and benefits only a few. We need to revisit organizational wrongs and unfairnesses or else we become passive compliant to systemic injustices, let the past repeat itself and fail to improve the future for others.</b></span></li>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-f1e0ffbb-7fff-5aef-80f5-65b6009d0783"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> A year ago today, after a joint USS/USOC meeting, USS’s High Performance Director told Jeffrey and I that they wouldn’t take him as the fourth Team Pursuit skater because, to paraphrase, if Jeffrey couldn’t help them win a medal they weren’t going to take him. Yet, contrary to other explanations USS later told us…</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">The decision wasn’t financial</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">It wasn’t because he wouldn’t have been able to skate</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">It wasn’t because there was USS Olympic quota for athletes was full</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">And, it wasn’t because another American would have been put out of a race</span></li>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-201ae4d4-7fff-c1f5-776c-b0a08971795e"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> We were stunned because there are never guarantees for medals. In fact, the men’s Team Pursuit failed at the 2018 Olympics (they even ended up needing a fourth skater) and no American male long track speedskater won a medal. Therefore, by USS’s logic no male athlete should have gone. So we can agree that no good came from that decision. But there was no potential good that could have ever come from that decision which only leads anyone to conclude that the decision was mostly unnecessary but also unfair for athletes who train for all possible spots on the team.</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Why This Matters:</span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-b3cf04ed-7fff-ff4a-d673-c5b4e7f46624"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> This fundamental failure of USS and the USOC, very likely laced with prejudice, has yet to </span></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">be held accountable.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> For those of you aware of current events involving the USOC and other entities we’ve seen that as people ban together to demand ethical and equitable practices they can win. With the downfall of the USOC’s chief executive Scott Blackmun and chief of sport performance Alan Ashley, we see leadership who (grossly) neglected the well-being of their athletes being served justice. If the USOC was that incompetent with the Nassar scandal, how much freedom can any subsidiary of theirs exercise without accountability? USS should not be able to neglect fairness and the needs of their athletes without this accountability. </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> It’s hard to walk away from a loss like this. Especially since Nancy Jr. experienced a similar situation in 2006 when her own TP spot for the Olympics was given instead to a male speedskater, which caused the US men’s long track team to have two “alternate” spots filled and the women’s team to have no extra spots filled. That decision was very questionable because the entire male team ended up with two more skaters than the women when they should have allocated spots equally.</span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-fa881e2f-7fff-541e-58cb-772432e01ade"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> In light of Nancy’s situation, USS’s blatant mistreatment of Jeffrey betrays their prejudice against “outsider” athletes, though its systemic prejudices take many forms that are evidenced through continual neglect of countless athletes throughout the decades (including little to no yearly communication with speedskaters outside of SLC and little to no representation in USS politics).</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Though people often grow stronger through injustice like this, it’s not fair. Though we rise above it, USS’s responses to problems wreak of protectionism. Though we continue to move on in other areas of life, we can’t and won’t forget it. These are the things that makes champions–who get back up and fight for what’s right.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">The Bigger Picture:</span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-4736344e-7fff-3295-bb79-8cb2a41041b6"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> For two Olympic cycles, USS has not done what their talent is capable of. So maybe it’s not all just about these scientific, physiological, objective reasons that are relatively easy to think tank and put numbers to–maybe we need to look at the heart</span></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and motives of the decision makers. Is the athlete really cared about?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> It’s been a culture of looking out for one’s own interest and the interests of those who can benefit themselves–a problem </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">elitism</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. This elitism, coupled without USS’s depletions of USA Roller Sport’s pool of athletes and it’s neglect of its own grassroot development over the last few decades makes USS’s future look increasingly ominous. There is so much pressure to win a medal. But maybe the pressure should be to do justice for the athlete and as a result success will follow. It’s just like what us coaches tell our athletes, </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“don’t focus on winning. Rather focus on skating right and the winnings will come.”</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> USS should have been and should be thriving but they struggle to get people to stay and skate because of what I say are ethical standards and reasons of the heart.</span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-1943002b-7fff-1e05-3716-2361aa619517"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ahn’s, Aikenhead, Ian Ansel, Altshuler, Boris, Bairds & Magnet, Andy Brand, Boogaard’s, Rev Bennett, Mike Jackie Bernico, Block fam, Boomstra, Billye Key, TCain, Cruikshanks, Cale/Margo, Carlson’s, Cockles, Chris, Dena DeVore, Derek, Darren/Sue, Dyrud, Derek Deprey, Deborah Dominic Sarah, Englemans, Dr. Scott Fonda, Gingold, Golomski, Greer’s, Jesse Garcia, Gus, Hibens, Hansen, Havekotte, Jake Kissack, Julie C, DrKris, Leville, Robert Lehman, Matt Lintz, Shelly/Tad Lindsey, Larry/Trish, Läufer, Pat/ Gretchen McCaskey, DrMajor, Manning’s, Murnanes, Theresa Miller, Raymond/Camille Monk, Marchese, Marv/Kathleen, Mike/Tammy, Dustin Nelson, David Nelson fam, Olu, Ozum, Randy Pfund, Paula, Dominique Pinder, Claudia/Jerry Root, Randy Dean, Ritchies, Rosencutter, Laura Robinson, Robin, DrRowan, Stevo /Julia, Tom 6 pack Sidor, Sue Sharpe, Shay/Richard, Keri/Robby Sawyer, Simmons, Shelly/Steven/Trish/Renee/Britta (Olympics shoutout!), Team Rainbo, Turro, Ticsay, Tom/Perry, Sara Wager, Wally, Peter Walters, Stuart Yoss, Vladim, Mefferd’s, Cathy/Don, Eugene, Swider fam, Gma Peltz, Gma Swider, McDaniels, Puknaitus, Johnny Boy, R33M, Intersagen, BauerandBauer, College Church, Ephesians Baptist, Compass, First Trust</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712246942615985539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274188355493894887.post-52644642926283963272018-02-22T16:57:00.000-06:002018-02-22T16:57:41.576-06:00Success at Our Fingertips: We Need to Give Purpose to More Than Just Medals<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_Itx5fZ4BAY8JmqG66Wtj4Y4OMVSqz9ZtVXViF-NYy3L3-JfMWmq_Dch6N_K5JXqIuYlpku7-IHsu9CNwM2pRRWg93WiCqK1HOKXr7X1leuyPMJfFWdlXrRqtCBJlFCnbzoMJhSEkck/s1600/IMG_8381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_Itx5fZ4BAY8JmqG66Wtj4Y4OMVSqz9ZtVXViF-NYy3L3-JfMWmq_Dch6N_K5JXqIuYlpku7-IHsu9CNwM2pRRWg93WiCqK1HOKXr7X1leuyPMJfFWdlXrRqtCBJlFCnbzoMJhSEkck/s320/IMG_8381.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeffrey jr. and coach, 1998</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">As the girls Team Pursuit Speedskating took advantage of their 4th lady and succeeded, so could the men have used a 4th man in preparation and potentially in the races to have succeeded as well. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">The event has been for the US, an historically miscalculated race, resulting in more strategic failures than athlete failures. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">Just saying...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">Luck is where opportunity and preparation meet. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">Was the men’s team fully prepared? </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">The team was more than capable but a full team may have made the difference. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">Play the odds here...to be able to select from 4 for a team of 3 or to select from 3 (with no options). Enough said.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">Before you say I’m belaboring the point, </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">mark my words...as they have always taken a 4th man in the past, this being the first time they did not, they will now ALWAYS take a prepared 4th man in the future. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">It WILL happen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">And then the entire mentality of medals being the driving force of the USOC in the future...that will change as the pundits are already saying. There is an unusual precedent recognized from the past 3 Olympics. It is a precedent not only talked about in the press, but amongst the athletes that the fall-off of medals is a direct consequence of the lack of attention and resources (by the USOC and the sport organizations) to the athletes just under the medal spots. Ask those who just missed the medals and beyond. They arguably are as good as gold. It was just the day...as are those further down.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">If they are given the attention given the “top” athletes, more athletes can be that top athlete–self fulfilling prophecy. It needs to be recognized when you are getting closer to the top, it’s a matter of being able to stay in the game to develop...that is the game changer. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">To increase the odds, you need to have the numbers from which to choose. Enough of the elitism and the belief that fewer spots will make the athletes work that much harder. The mentality is not working. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">Stop banging the head expecting a different outcome. The athletes are there. They just aren’t treated as such. And it starts at the top the USOC.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">- Nancy Sr.</span><br />
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<br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712246942615985539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274188355493894887.post-31400833546609413972018-01-30T17:48:00.000-06:002018-02-22T16:18:54.262-06:00Olympics; Right, Wrong, or What's Best?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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It would seem that this would be a time of simply anticipating the Olympics, but it is not for many. In speedskating, it resurrects examples from many who've experienced unjust selection or even reversal of selection once on the Olympic Team as has happened to Jeffrey just recently. This has happened too many times for it not to be indicative of an <b><u>inherent problem</u></b> in USS discretionary selections.<br />
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Yet to me, it doesn't need to be an involved written change, but simply the overlying rule that the athlete's best interest <b>always</b> comes first.<br />
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I didn't involve myself in the conflicting reasons as to why Jeffrey wasn't ultimately selected because I wanted to <b>trust</b> the system that justice would prevail, as I had been asked to do for the last 4 years.<br />
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I am challenging now because the U.S. Olympic Team Pursuit selection process was unjust. This is a <u style="font-weight: bold;">necessary</u> rehash. Skaters, coaches, parents and followers continue to this moment question what happened and rightly so because it was not only unjust to Jeffrey, but can be unfair to the other Team Pursuit athletes, as well as the Team Pursuit decisions in the future.<br />
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Team Pursuit selection is quadrenilaly a serious issue and medals are lost because of discretionary decisions. This has happened before in 2010.<br />
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The reasons Jeffrey wasn't selected, stated by the selection committee (not National coaches), seem valid <b>IF the goal is to take fewer skaters and be less prepared.</b><br />
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The committee decided:<br />
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<li>"We don't plan on using a 4th Team Pursuit skater in the Olympics, but if we were to race you [Jeffrey], we won't win a medal. And if we won't win a medal, we don't want to bring our 4th best Team Pursuit skater and we will just use a sprinter instead." -False reasoning because skaters' performances ebb and flow. Also, luck is involved. As well as the fatigue factor on the 2nd day of Team Pursuit racing with back to back races (1 hour apart). And the National team coaches both recommended Jeffrey as the 4th Team Pursuit skater. The sprinter to now be used is already on team, who has not even raced the 2 races used to decide a 4th skater as well as he does not have a qualifying time for either of the 2 races that the ISU requires to skate the Team Pursuit as a specialist, if he were a specialist. This was more a staff (less tuned to the nuances and necessities of this present Team Pursuit) driven decision rather than a coaching driven decision, which crosses the expertise of those coaches who should be making such a decision.</li>
<li>"We simply don't take alternates." -false. "Alternates" is not a Team Pursuit selection term. The team is a "4-man team" with potential "specialists" for the purpose of giving the skaters every chance, over 3 heats of racing, to have the option of 4 skaters is necessary and responsible (3 race at a time, but a 4th man is used to replace a skater that could be tired from the previous heat, someone is sick/hurt, used for an "easier" heat to save another skater's energy, etc). There was an extra quota spot. Use it! <b>As a team, the business strategy is: </b><u style="font-weight: bold;">always be prepared</u>. The team is simply not fully prepared for this 2018 Olympics.</li>
<li>There was a concern over taking a Team Pursuit specialist without an individual race (the said ISU requirement). -It is already known there only needs to be "intent" to skate an individual race, which they can make happen. It is a loosely used term.</li>
<li>Having been in this sport for 50 years, no reasons like these warrant leaving someone off an Olympic team spot that can potentially bring home a medal.</li>
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The 4th Team Pursuit spot could easily have been taken to the Olympics and would indicate that all skaters' best interest are considered. There was simply no downside to any skater, coach, the organization (USS), nor the USOC. It was a decision simply <b>against</b> the athlete than for the athlete.</div>
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This should <u style="font-weight: bold;">bother</u> the public who believes they have their athletes' back, especially all those invested in the skater.</div>
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This should <u style="font-weight: bold;">bother</u> the aspiring skater who would only want to see a fair path to make an Olympic Team.</div>
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This should <u style="font-weight: bold;">bother</u> the USOC that it is an exclusionary action that goes <b>against</b> their own written Olympic Creed.</div>
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Why keep bringing this all up? There was an injustice, and something needs to be done for the future of this sport. In order for there to be change, there needs to be a recognition of the wrong, a willingness to accept criticism and a passion to make a difference in this world for the future athletes. Don't we want to get better? Don't we stand for excellence?<br />
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-Nancy Sr.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712246942615985539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274188355493894887.post-56866945157353696952018-01-23T09:18:00.001-06:002018-01-23T09:18:54.063-06:00US Speedskating Not in Line with Olympic Core Values<div style="line-height: normal;">
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No doubt we all watch the Olympics to see who will win gold. But what truly inspires you?</div>
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For many of us, its the story of overcoming struggle and an athlete's journey that reveals the true champion. It's those athletes that have overcome so much, but still fall short of ever being close to the podium. Their journey and accomplishment to just make the Olympic team is a story worth knowing. Recently I read that Pita Taufatofua, the Tongan TaeKwonDo Olympian sensation from 2012 just made the 2018 Olympic team in the Cross Country skiing having just put on skis <b>one year ago</b>. </div>
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Why bring this story about Pita up? Well his message inspires and its the most recent example of why I love the Olympics. He said "I want to show people who aren't in sport, or are having struggles that they can do something out of their comfort zone, enjoy the journey and get themselves somewhere with it." Yes, he wants to win a gold medal, but he's had to overcome great obstacles just to get to the Olympics. For him, he is willing to challenge the impossible, to sacrifice a lot in order to be an example to others that they can accomplish feats they never thought possible. He inspires.</div>
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When I was a little Nancy Jr., my mom was one I looked up to (and still do!) because of her strength, her perseverance, her dedication, her fight for justice in the face of trials and obstacles. She did the unorthodox way to making 4 Olympic teams by doing football workouts, training without a speedskating coach and taking coaching from her father, using her old swimming workouts that she converted to ice workouts, working out with a 1 year-old baby, and more. She was the first U.S. athlete, men and women, to make 4 Winter Olympic teams and competed in her last Olympics when I was just a 1 year old, having made a 4-month comeback. It was because my mom embodied what it meant to be a part of the Olympic Movement, to inspire others by pushing the boundaries of limitation, to stand up for justice and create a sport environment that focuses on the grassroots, but develops elite caliber athletes. Nancy Sr. is a coach that not only coaches for excellence, but teaches lessons on how adversity in sport applies to life, to faith, so as to not just prepare them to reach their potential, but to transfer that to their life outside of sport. </div>
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This is what inspired me to be a part of the Olympic Movement, to personally take up striving to make an Olympic team despite the fact that I was following my mom's footsteps. I liked how she was able to inspire others and used her platform for good by putting in countless hours of time giving back to the sport, and I wanted to do the same. You can say that her understanding of the Olympic Movement was holistic. It's not the medals, but its how the journey, to be the best, has shaped people's lives and developed tough character which ultimately inspires people beyond the Olympics.</div>
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For a while now, I have seen a slow change in Olympism in America. Turning from this holistic view to focusing more on medals and winning. Focusing on winning is a necessary thing, but not when it begins to overcome the reason the Olympics exist. The USOC says it best on their <a href="https://www.teamusa.org/About-the-USOC/Inside-the-USOC/Olympic-Movement"><span style="color: #e4af09;">site about the Olympic Movement</span></a>:</div>
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<b>Olympic Creed: </b>The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well. </blockquote>
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<b>Olympism: </b>Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining the qualities of body, will and mind in a balanced whole. Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy of effort, the educational value of good example, social responsibility and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles. The goal of the Olympic Movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practiced in accordance with Olympism and its values. </blockquote>
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The Olympic Movement represents the belief in grassroots successes and podium triumphs, and the strength of sport to unify communities, nations and the world. No matter if U.S. athletes win gold or struggle in its pursuit, the USOC’s goal is to make sure they are better citizens for participating in the Olympic Movement.</blockquote>
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I am writing about these core values cause it concerns me that USS is falling away from such and has an extreme emphasis on medals and not everyone is going to win a medal.</div>
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As many of you know, we have challenged them not taking a 4th Team Pursuit skater and not filling the men’s Olympic quota for US speedskating. Their reason for not taking a 4th person is, to paraphrase “<b>we don’t plan on using a 4th Team Pursuit skater in the Olympics, but if we <i>were</i> to race you, we wouldn’t win a medal. And if we aren’t going to win a medal then we don’t want to bring our best 4th Team Pursuit skater and we will use someone already on the team that isn’t specifically prepared.”</b> This means that US Speedskating would essentially be throwing out an Olympic team race if they found themselves in this situation. <b>A reason that goes against the core values they supposedly represent.</b></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">You can read Jeffrey’s recap of the Olympic Trials here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/notes/jeffrey-swider-peltz/recapping-the-olympic-trials/10159954151895525/"><span style="color: #e4af09;">https://www.facebook.com/notes/jeffrey-swider-peltz/recapping-the-olympic-trials/10159954151895525/</span></a></span></div>
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<b>To anwer some questions you might have in your mind:</b></div>
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<li>It's not a spot issue. They are taking 7 men, but can take up to 8 men because there is 8 quota spots available. </li>
<li>It is not a financial issue. They allowed for 8 spots both men and women and they are taking 6 women and 7 men right now.</li>
<li>And Jeffrey is the next best skater to be taken on the Team Pursuit team based on 1500m/5k times, technique compatibility, team skater, coachability, dedication to team pursuit preparation camps, team attitude, etc (in the USS regs).</li>
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The unfortunate detail is that it is a discretionary spot so even though he is fully qualified and it is in US Speedskating's best interest to take Jeffrey, it is up to the committee's decision.</div>
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I am writing this blog post upon request from more people than I could deny. I am hoping to being transparency to issues that are not being challenged. I am, along with so many people that are emailing and speaking up as well, are sticking up for justice, for what is best. This, to ultimately help bring back the focus of Speedskating in the US to Olympic values for the future of this sport, <b>for the grassroot kids who dream like I once did.</b></div>
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<b>#sendJeffreytotheOlympics </b></div>
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Nancy Jr.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712246942615985539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274188355493894887.post-83723474282909969732018-01-18T16:07:00.000-06:002018-01-19T01:09:57.389-06:00Heartache (by Nancy Sr.)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGyTXykyWeVFXvNThjd-XcfSeGEPmKmXkJDB8bqiiaQFfLd8lmWAAgy145OZdHvLxhj16RDhmZ_lyM4-D_nbIZcSXX_1kSnxKbzMABRP8Javu-DN5b6Ukmzw8e63bvz8Aff4aoPZNQQE/s1600/J%2526NS_2475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGyTXykyWeVFXvNThjd-XcfSeGEPmKmXkJDB8bqiiaQFfLd8lmWAAgy145OZdHvLxhj16RDhmZ_lyM4-D_nbIZcSXX_1kSnxKbzMABRP8Javu-DN5b6Ukmzw8e63bvz8Aff4aoPZNQQE/s640/J%2526NS_2475.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Steve Penland</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">We know many of you do not know or are uncertain as to the outcome of the 2018 Speedskating Olympic Trials for Jeffrey and Nancy Jr.</span><br />
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So many of you have supported us through so many years with heart, soul, prayers and resources. You have been our backbone and we are grateful.</div>
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It is so hard to not be able to give back to you the excitement of being able to follow us through this 2018 Olympics. But what is so unusual is that there was no expectation from you, the supporters. You have repetitively supported and encouraged us graciously and for that we are blessed. But it is still very difficult to not be able to “give you” a “team Swider-Peltz" Olympics experience.</div>
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For Nancy Jr., we knew things were seemingly not coming together to make the Olympic Team, but anything can happen and she stayed tough to the end in the face of the odds brought on by ensuing injuries from her broken back some years ago.</div>
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For Jeffrey, we knew it would be tough, but the spots he trained for and had his best chances in were the Team Pursuit and/or the Mass Start. There were 4 spots to be filled on the Team Pursuit. And at the Trials, Jeffrey earned that spot from the criteria set out and that criteria was understood as such by those skaters vying for the Team Pursuit.</div>
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Because it was discretionary, the organization decided after the races, in an unprecedented stance to take 3 team pursuit skaters instead of 4. Such a decision is one all international Olympic Team Pursuit teams, as well as International Skating Union technical members, would not agree with. We trusted the organization to make a decision in the best interest of ALL skaters. It is simply to the other 3 skaters advantage to have a prepared 4th skater in case one is unable to skate. There are also 8 spots for the men to be named to the Olympic team and that 8th spot is being left unfilled. We do not agree with the fairness or logic of this decision. The Team Pursuit is the one race where luck can come into play and the odds are greatest for medal potential because of only 8 teams in contention at the Olympics. Also upsets happen just like Nancy Jr’s 2010 Vancouver Team Pursuit team where they were seeded 8th and upset the 1st seeded team, the Canadians. That Canadian team was expected to win the gold, but the US girls knocked them out in a situation where in the beginning no one believed they could do it.</div>
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In the mass start race, Jeffrey came into the Trials in 2nd place from 2 previous team pursuit races. He needed to beat 2 guys to maintain his spot. He was second by 0.1 seconds. It could have gone another way in a moment. It was the hardest moment of his career and my coaching, accepting that 2 possible ways onto the Olympic Team were gone. </div>
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It was his boyhood dream that in (0.1) vanished. </div>
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Jeffrey didn’t leave a stone unturned. He was student of the sport, a technician, and made the physical and mental sacrifices necessary for this level.</div>
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Knowing the sacrifices many of you made, as well, to get him there, of course was a huge motivation in his career. </div>
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The heartache does not just go. The harder you work the harder it is to loose. Something you sacrifice so long for, has become your life and it isn’t a simple answer. I personally as a coach am struggling almost beyond what I can handle. Jeffrey, in case there is reason to be called up, is still training to be ready. For him this is hard, but he doesn’t want regrets.<br />
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It has been my privilege and blessing to have been able to coach my two kids throughout their careers. I couldn’t be more honored. </div>
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Many of you came, called, wrote, left messages that have overwhelmed us in a positive way. Again, we so wanted to give you all an Olympic experience with our Olympic story. It will not be, but know we will stay strong and your part and faith in us will be forever etched in our hearts and minds....of course we know to trust in God's plan and realize in the light of eternity where this moment stands.</div>
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Nancy Sr.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712246942615985539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274188355493894887.post-90675809745148471122018-01-06T12:29:00.000-06:002018-01-06T14:17:58.562-06:00Last 2 Days of the Olympic Trials -how/when to watch<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSMscmjWGc7YAF_IPVaCJLdSeWDaFjomCtkSy5NjSIAiBBn3bbJOPVJu8TVVNVuNkrNu2l0qXiJ5Wapl3eg65D9K7VjZ58IjfbUUavoJfNvz-pvKYNHYcl_BAT8hRpsGlx9FwhTdDAhs/s1600/DSC_0955.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="1249" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSMscmjWGc7YAF_IPVaCJLdSeWDaFjomCtkSy5NjSIAiBBn3bbJOPVJu8TVVNVuNkrNu2l0qXiJ5Wapl3eg65D9K7VjZ58IjfbUUavoJfNvz-pvKYNHYcl_BAT8hRpsGlx9FwhTdDAhs/s640/DSC_0955.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Steve Penland</td></tr>
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Brief recap, this past Tuesday Jeffrey raced the 5k and I, the 3k. I took 4th overall and Jeffrey placed 3rd, racing to a Personal Best on this lowland (slower) ice here in Milwaukee, a race that he was super happy about as you can tell from the picture above. So proud of him for going out and finishing strong! You can re-watch his full race below...</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Now for the last 2 days of the Olympic Trials...</span></b></div>
2 more races to go for Jeffrey, Brian and I at the US Olympic Trials here in Milwaukee, WI. Later today we will be racing the 1500m and tomorrow, the Mass Start.<br />
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For the 1500m today there are 3 spots for the men and 3 spots for the women to make the Olympic Team. The men race first. Races begin at 5:09pm CST. Jeffrey will be 9th pair going off at 5:34pm CST (approx) and Brian is 10th pair racing right after at 5:37pm CST.<br />
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For the women, start time is 6:06pm CST and I am racing in the 5th pair, going off at 6:20pm.<br />
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See below for the pairings of both the men and women's 1500m.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXF7NT9nX-WwnUQt4SxF-yw9YLdONXDSqAB0UIfXvdYv0bCR27OviM94mlCw4dxgf8_0oXHxSeeYT87PZtMFdIxaxc7jFm8aDZnrrUsDEXeRQunu3x3ByzWulkme4gudnVpVTaTHk5ik/s1600/20180106_PairsDay5+1500m+Ladies_revised-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXF7NT9nX-WwnUQt4SxF-yw9YLdONXDSqAB0UIfXvdYv0bCR27OviM94mlCw4dxgf8_0oXHxSeeYT87PZtMFdIxaxc7jFm8aDZnrrUsDEXeRQunu3x3ByzWulkme4gudnVpVTaTHk5ik/s320/20180106_PairsDay5+1500m+Ladies_revised-1.jpg" width="247" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPgzJjk8f59sTcc21tsANuV7DkZmWqpp0AzrSvJ0Zum5PfPTxaVqcoZihruhlmyoZ5N7FheIOlLB_RGJ7P0vvN_2vo4ixOgjN9MlzHh70qoh-BvHbqnA5DA4R-R59Y307Skljw6L7UtcM/s1600/20180106_PairsDay5+1500m+Men-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPgzJjk8f59sTcc21tsANuV7DkZmWqpp0AzrSvJ0Zum5PfPTxaVqcoZihruhlmyoZ5N7FheIOlLB_RGJ7P0vvN_2vo4ixOgjN9MlzHh70qoh-BvHbqnA5DA4R-R59Y307Skljw6L7UtcM/s320/20180106_PairsDay5+1500m+Men-1.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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Tomorrow the Mass Start begins around 5pm CST. There are 2 spots for the men and 2 spots for the women to make the Olympic Team. Jeffrey, Brian and I will be racing this last race. For those attending, arrive an hour before for a chance to watch some of our warmup before we compete! </div>
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<b>For those that need a good explanation (super informative including history) on how the Mass Start works, thanks to Daniel Yeow, head here ---><a href="https://www.danielyeow.com/2017/explaining-the-mass-start/"> https://www.danielyeow.com</a></b></div>
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For those of you not attending, check out the NBC schedule here on how to watch the next 2 days via live stream: <a href="http://www.nbcolympics.com/news/how-watch-us-olympic-speed-skating-trials">http://www.nbcolympics.com/news/how-watch-us-olympic-speed-skating-trials</a><span id="goog_1634868322"></span><span id="goog_1634868323"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
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Pics from last Tuesday's race day...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1GmhjKXBfIhM0f2ddtiLrXPJMuZ2MrGIm1WXv5wN3MaoKlDDrv1ZyqTMDHJHQsw5drw5j_5CFgwMG-mDU6Vfofdnf5at3k8CbCWyPxnhxI7XtXl8ebENEQa6bVyhsChSlT0U2ZBggN0/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5cc1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1GmhjKXBfIhM0f2ddtiLrXPJMuZ2MrGIm1WXv5wN3MaoKlDDrv1ZyqTMDHJHQsw5drw5j_5CFgwMG-mDU6Vfofdnf5at3k8CbCWyPxnhxI7XtXl8ebENEQa6bVyhsChSlT0U2ZBggN0/s640/fullsizeoutput_5cc1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Shelby Knowles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUOwJ-GZ3rm350T-u0_4VqYb0mdWBe2jFIq7l6SzaAXiJMTaz95eMlnyRxPsC4SzVcaVo7RJiBra_MhINMPxwC0bNIRJqUkb0Ztk4B3hsd-1YcLnn3Q1u46yzFXVkI3UcA0AoBux9zsE/s1600/IMG_0652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUOwJ-GZ3rm350T-u0_4VqYb0mdWBe2jFIq7l6SzaAXiJMTaz95eMlnyRxPsC4SzVcaVo7RJiBra_MhINMPxwC0bNIRJqUkb0Ztk4B3hsd-1YcLnn3Q1u46yzFXVkI3UcA0AoBux9zsE/s640/IMG_0652.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNRqzjaz2gEJqIXYWNMnKwLI0QjEQx_RCIwNbQUgvf2_RanP9Qd2agjYU8CQF-pcF6v_dnMwBoWza9lzgy7ajaHqCU2HjmCrrCt0nLvhoO9JaSWUNjdZq2k4-77Gc1dkcX05vHpnvO_U/s1600/IMG_0653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1082" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNRqzjaz2gEJqIXYWNMnKwLI0QjEQx_RCIwNbQUgvf2_RanP9Qd2agjYU8CQF-pcF6v_dnMwBoWza9lzgy7ajaHqCU2HjmCrrCt0nLvhoO9JaSWUNjdZq2k4-77Gc1dkcX05vHpnvO_U/s640/IMG_0653.JPG" width="638" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Shelby Knowles </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm12fDZHPGcI2J1erqML9ZbUQgP0RjZ1UIZF5pS0MxEMWVpqJnaSx8An8VQHCNE6ivPB2Bb9DlTD6bBvNKgxQ3qhqz8wXqyiwPqvFngG1aMl_eCZEiBYz_YC6ALNwxJo9y9dRnEEQ7JGA/s1600/IMG_0630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm12fDZHPGcI2J1erqML9ZbUQgP0RjZ1UIZF5pS0MxEMWVpqJnaSx8An8VQHCNE6ivPB2Bb9DlTD6bBvNKgxQ3qhqz8wXqyiwPqvFngG1aMl_eCZEiBYz_YC6ALNwxJo9y9dRnEEQ7JGA/s640/IMG_0630.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Shelby Knowles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5OqwJTjms5l96XxBxjWdb3kwOi9DfwY2adkYBtJQtpT_lGrTg4Y2Ur8xDqZmNLPZId0NVlLSOgS4M7l120QPIn2jJIDTGMO28vzyTt3aKVB4iRG_e0Ufi1h6qnFmC8wMU4ThrbNiANI/s1600/IMG_5215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5OqwJTjms5l96XxBxjWdb3kwOi9DfwY2adkYBtJQtpT_lGrTg4Y2Ur8xDqZmNLPZId0NVlLSOgS4M7l120QPIn2jJIDTGMO28vzyTt3aKVB4iRG_e0Ufi1h6qnFmC8wMU4ThrbNiANI/s640/IMG_5215.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only some of the incredible crew that came out to support and cheer on Team Swider-Peltz! So thankful </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillHRw7hAbHViEJZvlJA7pjJfu9N01EYGwLfzcJmKA3-yzJn6Lk8W8yUGX5xoqn9kEzOKgArlET9noAa1Efox3dQ7qn_9OgksR5CgtG92CANnKqof5hLm5oB1Ltq9g3edjk9RBB7KPMaI/s1600/IMG_5217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillHRw7hAbHViEJZvlJA7pjJfu9N01EYGwLfzcJmKA3-yzJn6Lk8W8yUGX5xoqn9kEzOKgArlET9noAa1Efox3dQ7qn_9OgksR5CgtG92CANnKqof5hLm5oB1Ltq9g3edjk9RBB7KPMaI/s640/IMG_5217.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shelley & Steven still repping the t-shirts that they had made for my 2010 Vancouver Olympics when they came to watch! </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BRDLl6VWclEfQmzD-cZt3ciBYlu5DNm9zniiNufOjotX8vzgvdVohYPB3BiqJY2E4ezxq8fipSPIDFT9I-x8xSr-Ju7jZbUb-6zxMfD7EhLai7rsD8mfrXXRiG2iwOcbyUpoemHaqoM/s1600/IMG_5228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BRDLl6VWclEfQmzD-cZt3ciBYlu5DNm9zniiNufOjotX8vzgvdVohYPB3BiqJY2E4ezxq8fipSPIDFT9I-x8xSr-Ju7jZbUb-6zxMfD7EhLai7rsD8mfrXXRiG2iwOcbyUpoemHaqoM/s640/IMG_5228.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj529jnGklSoGn5HPNjws7gi8D2MuS0wxWBuDcgpbWuq0FsYrrhJ68-egIvik9uykwqsrapKhEk16T66kLKYjXMHOBK9810t-a6ABWPMQbfus44zQ1SII12lsDNwjI_W5A4BSyFd3uSeOc/s1600/IMG_0651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj529jnGklSoGn5HPNjws7gi8D2MuS0wxWBuDcgpbWuq0FsYrrhJ68-egIvik9uykwqsrapKhEk16T66kLKYjXMHOBK9810t-a6ABWPMQbfus44zQ1SII12lsDNwjI_W5A4BSyFd3uSeOc/s640/IMG_0651.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Shelby Knowles </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35dm90CXX2a2_HhKLDyn0AKiA9Beo9x8hzdUc3HoNqFWuzMqfaJDzmYEZHCuDC9OqIbtPaIkDZKyAbf8M834Akw2fnBN1LqXogGV2jjWHMgputSLRb7wBxxmOk0InMqiqWXJVlrxPcuQ/s1600/IMG_0649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35dm90CXX2a2_HhKLDyn0AKiA9Beo9x8hzdUc3HoNqFWuzMqfaJDzmYEZHCuDC9OqIbtPaIkDZKyAbf8M834Akw2fnBN1LqXogGV2jjWHMgputSLRb7wBxxmOk0InMqiqWXJVlrxPcuQ/s640/IMG_0649.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Shelby Knowles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIHReOBn633p6556fcCMlmfUl99lbkNnDzlLj0QYsTEq_dBOXdZOPDSVMPRiK5QlyKKIF5Nv-ylUZgGFG63OEaCTBy9dXzNj5uZGceoVDnUXmkEpSokgl73Szr6JfuJXH5ZGqFN8_kCQ/s1600/IMG_0646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIHReOBn633p6556fcCMlmfUl99lbkNnDzlLj0QYsTEq_dBOXdZOPDSVMPRiK5QlyKKIF5Nv-ylUZgGFG63OEaCTBy9dXzNj5uZGceoVDnUXmkEpSokgl73Szr6JfuJXH5ZGqFN8_kCQ/s640/IMG_0646.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUVI4uCpzfR6qWKT_eTPVaf1nq9DqFmJdI1D-Y1y5bKtQI4Si9boZsLuzGBxy26riIpom3Vn_9p2m4eVp3lNfURMFhyphenhyphenrU6w-4iYSbSmRd0IT7eweNpgum_AEKoVk7un4esLNwVxRPdLE/s1600/IMG_0645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUVI4uCpzfR6qWKT_eTPVaf1nq9DqFmJdI1D-Y1y5bKtQI4Si9boZsLuzGBxy26riIpom3Vn_9p2m4eVp3lNfURMFhyphenhyphenrU6w-4iYSbSmRd0IT7eweNpgum_AEKoVk7un4esLNwVxRPdLE/s640/IMG_0645.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrj_TNq5n9zent-BYaQz6I3mz5qS0LC17UZGwrVEheMwqQL18EeReY4spJMnk8ZxN1ybW5Rj2C5t7UBwZNuaYxKbJIfeAlcsPHc0Y3XdFvvAkuWDLNO044acJw1IjZ2YXWPSrj6n78YY4/s1600/IMG_0639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrj_TNq5n9zent-BYaQz6I3mz5qS0LC17UZGwrVEheMwqQL18EeReY4spJMnk8ZxN1ybW5Rj2C5t7UBwZNuaYxKbJIfeAlcsPHc0Y3XdFvvAkuWDLNO044acJw1IjZ2YXWPSrj6n78YY4/s640/IMG_0639.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Shelby Knowles</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwl6AbIOVvLoo3Sp8jZ35Jr56r3c-R1LERCBBqE8b6YdInklZqdO9DVsTfQ05iLyxzYQaOMSsYNeoIAwDrV11bNjdQke6xMgcwnaqStHtjSuaN4PEVCxq9gDclPSyxL1HyzN9uK5MzeWM/s1600/IMG_0636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwl6AbIOVvLoo3Sp8jZ35Jr56r3c-R1LERCBBqE8b6YdInklZqdO9DVsTfQ05iLyxzYQaOMSsYNeoIAwDrV11bNjdQke6xMgcwnaqStHtjSuaN4PEVCxq9gDclPSyxL1HyzN9uK5MzeWM/s640/IMG_0636.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Shelby Knowles</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWeEYASUdr9hwlHKlYAbkHaCF5aKArsjSpXmcEnMil9d0fO4gvxdfsJzmuXKi4nwfTaZIzXUaMRzAftS8I0V2-0DcyusZW33HZjOgfI60BBk-9QJvhzcdAxNjA25fv-vLvQ9wjhhKbBk/s1600/IMG_0631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWeEYASUdr9hwlHKlYAbkHaCF5aKArsjSpXmcEnMil9d0fO4gvxdfsJzmuXKi4nwfTaZIzXUaMRzAftS8I0V2-0DcyusZW33HZjOgfI60BBk-9QJvhzcdAxNjA25fv-vLvQ9wjhhKbBk/s640/IMG_0631.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Shelby Knowles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCshALEikC3wvdVUx94_FW0WkSUV9bytqXY4-W6CIrUwX-sZCxSghTELxc1hK50Z8cBm7WdegDfTvdUxCdOa1rJKCXkF6HbyLlhSh90xbfioSG-whzJ_NRyU716_cKDSTPUw4zKCE_q0/s1600/DSC_0355.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCshALEikC3wvdVUx94_FW0WkSUV9bytqXY4-W6CIrUwX-sZCxSghTELxc1hK50Z8cBm7WdegDfTvdUxCdOa1rJKCXkF6HbyLlhSh90xbfioSG-whzJ_NRyU716_cKDSTPUw4zKCE_q0/s640/DSC_0355.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Steve Penland</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRCQhOZRPOPt8ADJdR5x10iI3tYuPIxRdO1d2mzpCTTtrJRYzanUNvE3XgngoWqP92kl0Eu_R08wXB-DWTwb3S4a6uvbjbCVqoutxCuG659VBNewXZI9WFMEeHd0MH9mtDvc9edkPUjk/s1600/DSC_0347.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="1280" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRCQhOZRPOPt8ADJdR5x10iI3tYuPIxRdO1d2mzpCTTtrJRYzanUNvE3XgngoWqP92kl0Eu_R08wXB-DWTwb3S4a6uvbjbCVqoutxCuG659VBNewXZI9WFMEeHd0MH9mtDvc9edkPUjk/s640/DSC_0347.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Steve Penland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JU0IeNv9kxjwgh1yspy7UrvJSv-jaVuDHeP2JeYSQ_vj5lNfsYDwXAN5IJ8bBvhuAxU1c2DRdSoqfwEa7jcYoZ_0v5Y-NmJYP5r6jQzIZMBzrfbRE0fAxMCxl254x4LJD0O0wDkB4Y0/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5c74.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JU0IeNv9kxjwgh1yspy7UrvJSv-jaVuDHeP2JeYSQ_vj5lNfsYDwXAN5IJ8bBvhuAxU1c2DRdSoqfwEa7jcYoZ_0v5Y-NmJYP5r6jQzIZMBzrfbRE0fAxMCxl254x4LJD0O0wDkB4Y0/s640/fullsizeoutput_5c74.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Shelby Knowles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4ffSbTE0h_lu3cgLJtktAubQmu1m2yLJxsxn3H4vUDl-2rQB9jfdWW75eltgmRtfPsoCmh2TWNeKLgHqZ4-TO0JNgJcjIS43PQcCo_TP1rIsoVJhL2bmvyQLvA66tYXsAvcw-3cwEYs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5ca2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4ffSbTE0h_lu3cgLJtktAubQmu1m2yLJxsxn3H4vUDl-2rQB9jfdWW75eltgmRtfPsoCmh2TWNeKLgHqZ4-TO0JNgJcjIS43PQcCo_TP1rIsoVJhL2bmvyQLvA66tYXsAvcw-3cwEYs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5ca2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Shelby Knowles</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712246942615985539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274188355493894887.post-34628257111756629682017-12-17T19:49:00.001-06:002017-12-17T20:05:06.219-06:00Olympic Trials Tickets -details!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6SkIYWTZXvW4V6SobS60HsU909o8hCOG_EOycxILpRHao6-yQ1Z-_Kisd0e1b3eovIlCBAMbTu4nz8HQhaR_gcZ6qaGPYauF-FMxUHlCLtufSSPKCodRbmmtIcXoZ4Z8m_IgbfEeIXQ/s1600/Peltz-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6SkIYWTZXvW4V6SobS60HsU909o8hCOG_EOycxILpRHao6-yQ1Z-_Kisd0e1b3eovIlCBAMbTu4nz8HQhaR_gcZ6qaGPYauF-FMxUHlCLtufSSPKCodRbmmtIcXoZ4Z8m_IgbfEeIXQ/s640/Peltz-27.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Photo Credit: Hilary Barreto</td></tr>
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<br />
As many of you know, the long track speedskating Olympic Trials are coming up in just 2 weeks and 2 days to <b><u>MILWAUKEE</u> </b>(Olympic Trials haven't been in Milwaukee since 1998, 20 years!) So many of you have been asking where you can buy the tickets, so below are all the details...finally!!! :) Thank you for being patient.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Olympic Trials Schedule (all in CST): </u></span><br />
<br />
<ul class="ee-event-datetimes-ul ee-clearfix" id="ee-event-datetimes-ul-14" style="border: 0px; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 20px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li class="ee-event-datetimes-li ee-event-datetimes-li-DTU" id="ee-event-datetimes-li-11" style="border: 0px; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 310px;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Day 1 (Women 3000m/Men 5000m)</strong><br /><span class="dashicons dashicons-calendar" style="border: 0px; display: inline-block; font-family: "dashicons"; font-size: inherit; height: auto; line-height: 1; margin: 0px 0.5em 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: inherit; transition: 0.1s ease-in 0ms; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;"></span><span class="ee-event-datetimes-li-daterange" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">January 2, 2018</span><br /><span class="dashicons dashicons-clock" style="border: 0px; display: inline-block; font-family: "dashicons"; font-size: inherit; height: auto; line-height: 1; margin: 0px 0.5em 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: inherit; transition: 0.1s ease-in 0ms; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;"></span><span class="ee-event-datetimes-li-timerange" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3:20 pm - 6:00 pm</span></li>
<li class="ee-event-datetimes-li ee-event-datetimes-li-DTU" id="ee-event-datetimes-li-12" style="border: 0px; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 310px;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Day 2 (Men & Women 1000m)</strong><br /><span class="dashicons dashicons-calendar" style="border: 0px; display: inline-block; font-family: "dashicons"; font-size: inherit; height: auto; line-height: 1; margin: 0px 0.5em 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: inherit; transition: 0.1s ease-in 0ms; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;"></span><span class="ee-event-datetimes-li-daterange" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">January 3, 2018</span><br /><span class="dashicons dashicons-clock" style="border: 0px; display: inline-block; font-family: "dashicons"; font-size: inherit; height: auto; line-height: 1; margin: 0px 0.5em 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: inherit; transition: 0.1s ease-in 0ms; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;"></span><span class="ee-event-datetimes-li-timerange" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4:45 pm - 6:30 pm</span></li>
<li class="ee-event-datetimes-li ee-event-datetimes-li-DTU" id="ee-event-datetimes-li-13" style="border: 0px; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 310px;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Day 3 (Women 5k & Men 10k)</strong><br /><span class="dashicons dashicons-calendar" style="border: 0px; display: inline-block; font-family: "dashicons"; font-size: inherit; height: auto; line-height: 1; margin: 0px 0.5em 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: inherit; transition: 0.1s ease-in 0ms; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;"></span><span class="ee-event-datetimes-li-daterange" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">January 4, 2018</span><br /><span class="dashicons dashicons-clock" style="border: 0px; display: inline-block; font-family: "dashicons"; font-size: inherit; height: auto; line-height: 1; margin: 0px 0.5em 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: inherit; transition: 0.1s ease-in 0ms; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;"></span><span class="ee-event-datetimes-li-timerange" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4:55 pm - 7:30 pm</span></li>
<li class="ee-event-datetimes-li ee-event-datetimes-li-DTU" id="ee-event-datetimes-li-14" style="border: 0px; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 310px;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Day 4 (Men & Women 500m)</strong><br /><span class="dashicons dashicons-calendar" style="border: 0px; display: inline-block; font-family: "dashicons"; font-size: inherit; height: auto; line-height: 1; margin: 0px 0.5em 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: inherit; transition: 0.1s ease-in 0ms; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;"></span><span class="ee-event-datetimes-li-daterange" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">January 5, 2018</span><br /><span class="dashicons dashicons-clock" style="border: 0px; display: inline-block; font-family: "dashicons"; font-size: inherit; height: auto; line-height: 1; margin: 0px 0.5em 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: inherit; transition: 0.1s ease-in 0ms; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;"></span><span class="ee-event-datetimes-li-timerange" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3:20 pm - 7:00 pm</span></li>
<li class="ee-event-datetimes-li ee-event-datetimes-li-DTU" id="ee-event-datetimes-li-15" style="border: 0px; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 310px;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Day 5 (Men & Women 1500m)</strong><br /><span class="dashicons dashicons-calendar" style="border: 0px; display: inline-block; font-family: "dashicons"; font-size: inherit; height: auto; line-height: 1; margin: 0px 0.5em 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: inherit; transition: 0.1s ease-in 0ms; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;"></span><span class="ee-event-datetimes-li-daterange" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">January 6, 2018</span><br /><span class="dashicons dashicons-clock" style="border: 0px; display: inline-block; font-family: "dashicons"; font-size: inherit; height: auto; line-height: 1; margin: 0px 0.5em 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: inherit; transition: 0.1s ease-in 0ms; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;"></span><span class="ee-event-datetimes-li-timerange" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5:05 pm - 7:00 pm</span></li>
<li class="ee-event-datetimes-li ee-event-datetimes-li-DTU" id="ee-event-datetimes-li-16" style="border: 0px; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 310px;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Day 6 (Women & Men Mass Start)</strong><br /><span class="dashicons dashicons-calendar" style="border: 0px; display: inline-block; font-family: "dashicons"; font-size: inherit; height: auto; line-height: 1; margin: 0px 0.5em 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: inherit; transition: 0.1s ease-in 0ms; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;"></span><span class="ee-event-datetimes-li-daterange" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">January 7, 2018</span><br /><span class="dashicons dashicons-clock" style="border: 0px; display: inline-block; font-family: "dashicons"; font-size: inherit; height: auto; line-height: 1; margin: 0px 0.5em 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: inherit; transition: 0.1s ease-in 0ms; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;"></span><span class="ee-event-datetimes-li-timerange" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5:00 pm - 6:00 pm</span></li>
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- <b>Jeffrey Jr. will be racing in the 5000m, 1500m and the Mass Start.</b><br />
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<b>- Nancy (myself) will be racing the 3000m, maybe the 5k, 1500m and the Mass Start. </b><br />
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<b>- Brian Hansen will be racing the 1000m, 1500m, Mass Start.</b><br />
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**the Mass Start is the new event of this 2018 Olympics and it is quite entertaining to watch. Instead of our typical racing in 2 separate lanes against the clock, we race against each other packstyle on the innermost lane. Its not about the time, but who crosses the line first in the 16 lap race. Points are given to the top 3 finishers. Though there is a catch...prime laps are every 4 laps and those top 3 winners get points as well, just not as many as the overall finishers. It is definitely a race not worth missing!!!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To buy tickets to the races head here:</span><br />
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<a href="https://pettitcenter.eventsmart.com/events/trials/">https://pettitcenter.eventsmart.com/events/trials/</a><br />
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<b><u>NOTE!!!!</u></b> For those of you that cannot come to watch the Olympic Trials in person, they will be televised live on NBC Sports network. Schedule isn't out yet, but they're showing us live, so I'm assuming the same time as mentioned above!<br />
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For <b><u>directions</u></b> to the Pettit National Ice Center, see the map below<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2916.7520406996873!2d-88.0179479492559!3d43.02560607904552!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x8805053415c92ac1%3A0x7a819f20e067ab7e!2s500+S+84th+St%2C+Milwaukee%2C+WI+53214!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1513560486967" style="border: 0;" width="600"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712246942615985539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274188355493894887.post-74598109997868490402017-12-08T08:39:00.000-06:002017-12-08T15:12:21.711-06:00World Cup #4 - Salt Lake City!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2gFIeh-Nxlqw74k3ZPtxZQ9Ct_2RVKc-41uoIPDFsu58Z9QqoxJyFw0ZX6V3Qx4JHcMRpessWA9Y11BnKFFGhUKtBCiS6YQ4ILP62UgXDzvSnzpaeDcmg5eiG5IWn6-NzFOe48u9_2I/s1600/peltz-88.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2gFIeh-Nxlqw74k3ZPtxZQ9Ct_2RVKc-41uoIPDFsu58Z9QqoxJyFw0ZX6V3Qx4JHcMRpessWA9Y11BnKFFGhUKtBCiS6YQ4ILP62UgXDzvSnzpaeDcmg5eiG5IWn6-NzFOe48u9_2I/s320/peltz-88.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZSpR6mvAst9jddRcsdWqYRUWkAa6VTyMjrOVcEI0A3oNzVmK0fs_Bz_8uizHsCYgXVRA97Tj_fqx-kfah3s-YGTpru97DQvXx5YeQiNleSX5WG0jCh4HESwNgxh4WYSKpppppq2EASw/s1600/IMG_3276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZSpR6mvAst9jddRcsdWqYRUWkAa6VTyMjrOVcEI0A3oNzVmK0fs_Bz_8uizHsCYgXVRA97Tj_fqx-kfah3s-YGTpru97DQvXx5YeQiNleSX5WG0jCh4HESwNgxh4WYSKpppppq2EASw/s320/IMG_3276.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Today begins the last fall World Cup in Salt Lake City!<br />
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And today Jeffrey and Brian are both racing the Mass Start semi-finals. They will be racing this afternoon:<br />
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<b>Mass Start semi-final #1: Brian Hansen @ <u>4:24pm MT (5:24 CST)</u></b><br />
<b>Mass Start semi-final #2: Jeffrey Swider-Peltz Jr. @ <u>4:39pm MT (5:39 CST)</u></b><br />
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All B group racing and the Mass Start semis should be able to be seen at this link here:<br />
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<a href="https://www.teamusa.org/US-Speedskating/News/Featured-News/2017/December/06/World-Cup-Salt-Lake-Live-Stream">https://www.teamusa.org/US-Speedskating/News/Featured-</a><br />
<a href="https://www.teamusa.org/US-Speedskating/News/Featured-News/2017/December/06/World-Cup-Salt-Lake-Live-Stream">News/2017/December/06/World-Cup-Salt-Lake-Live-Stream</a><br />
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To watch the rest of the World Cup A group racing, either you need to head to <u><a href="http://web.icenetwork.com/home">http://web.icenetwork.com/home</a></u> (you need a subscription) or you will have to switch IP addresses and head to <a href="http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/isu/">http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/isu/</a><br />
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If Brian and Jeffrey advance to the finals (top 8 in their Semi-finals) then they will be racing Saturday in the Mass Start final. Times for that are to be determined still. Check on the ISU results site here: <a href="http://live.isuresults.eu/2017-2018/saltlakecity/">http://live.isuresults.eu/2017-2018/saltlakecity/</a> for the live results page and approx times they will be racing (which will be written on the left side of the events when updated).<br />
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<b>Brian Hansen will also be racing the Team Pursuit today (2:11pm MT).</b><br />
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Tomorrow. Brian and Jeffrey hopefully are in the finals for the Mass Start. Brian will also be racing the 1500m on Saturday and on Sunday, Brian will be racing either the 1000m or the 5000m. For those updates, keep checking back to the ISU results side where the pairings will be posted the night before of who's racing and live results on the day: <a href="http://live.isuresults.eu/2017-2018/saltlakecity/">http://live.isuresults.eu/2017-2018/saltlakecity/</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712246942615985539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274188355493894887.post-6874552825610715442017-12-01T17:06:00.002-06:002017-12-02T00:34:22.781-06:00World Cup #3 in Calgary, Canada, and World Cup #1 Results from Heerenveen, HollandHello friends! Tomorrow, I'll be racing my second World Cup Mass Start, and Brian Hansen will be racing his 1000m and the Team Pursuit with Joey Mantia and Emery Leman. Two weeks ago, World Cup #2 in Stavanger, Norway, didn't have a Mass Start race in it's program so after Heerenveen I came back to Milwaukee and put in a good couple weeks of training.<br />
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Here's what the schedule for this weekend of World Cup #3 looks like:<br />
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<u><b>Saturday:</b></u><br />
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12:30 PM MT: Mens A Group 1000m<b> (Brian Hansen)</b><br />
2:14PM MT: men’s Teams Pursuit <b>(Brian Hansen)</b><br />
3:52 PM MT: Mens Mass Start Semi-Final <b>(Jeffrey)</b><br />
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<b><u>Sunday:</u></b><br />
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Time TBD: Mens 1500 A Group <b>(Brian)</b><br />
Time TBD: Mens Mass Start Final <b>(Jeffrey)</b><br />
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Live video stream:: <a href="http://www.speedskating.ca/events/isu-world-cup-speed-skating-3-calgary-can">http://www.speedskating.ca/events/isu-world-cup-speed-skating-3-calgary-can</a>.<br />
(Those in the US need to change your IP address to one in Canada)<br />
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Live results: <a href="http://live.isuresults.eu/2017-2018/calgary/index.htm">http://live.isuresults.eu/2017-2018/calgary/index.htm</a><br />
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There may be a YouTube channel showing it live like there was in Heerenveen (that you wouldn't have to change your IP address for), but I don't have the link at the moment. If you have to, a quick google search may help you change your IP address but if you're not tech savvy I'm sorry! I don’t know how else to watch the races.<br />
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Sunday’s mass start final is determined by finishing top 8 in the Mass Start Semi-Final on Saturday.<br />
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(Below) As you all know, she's the strongest woman of a coach you'd ever meet–she'd put all the football coaches I've ever had to shame. This year, even though she's a 4-time Olympian and multiple–time Olympian coach, USSpeedskating isn't giving her an accreditation on the ice to coach Brian and I during these World Cup competitions, so she will have to stand outside of the pads. Somehow I think these issues that have happened over the years would't have happened if she weren't a woman.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Though the problem isn’t so much not being able to coach on the ice but the idea of respecting a coach who has contributed so much to speedskating.</b></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H0ugh-LF0Zw/WiHclEfH-9I/AAAAAAAAJrk/t7fgbr4ujUATw5nrUlQpTNaEStv-K9KAgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Photo%2BNov%2B29%252C%2B12%2B33%2B54.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H0ugh-LF0Zw/WiHclEfH-9I/AAAAAAAAJrk/t7fgbr4ujUATw5nrUlQpTNaEStv-K9KAgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/Photo%2BNov%2B29%252C%2B12%2B33%2B54.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Brian, me and some of the US team resting on during this Wednesday's practice.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GLRqfpi9fMs/WiHcciqqqXI/AAAAAAAAJrc/mzydSzFo5sg4TA_HPwjTws1w8xAiYhhHACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Photo%2BNov%2B29%252C%2B11%2B17%2B18.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GLRqfpi9fMs/WiHcciqqqXI/AAAAAAAAJrc/mzydSzFo5sg4TA_HPwjTws1w8xAiYhhHACK4BGAYYCw/s640/Photo%2BNov%2B29%252C%2B11%2B17%2B18.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b>What happened in Heerenveen?</b></div>
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I placed 11th out of 24 in the Semi-Final which was good but not enough to get me into the final. Yet it did keep me in the overall top 24 ranking which keeps a spot for the US in the Olympics. All this qualification stuff is so complicated! The key is that I stay top 24 overall for throughout these Fall World Cup events. </div>
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Here's a screenshot of the overall Mass Start rankings since Heerenveen:</div>
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Racing the Mass Start Semi-Final in Heerenveen. Glancing over at Seung-Hoon Lee with Arjan Stroetinga right behind him.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U1u999gmaIg/WiHZkLFa6pI/AAAAAAAAJqw/zJH46NyUei4aShV4sreGPLrDYGyh_BxEQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Photo%2BNov%2B10%252C%2B19%2B46%2B00.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U1u999gmaIg/WiHZkLFa6pI/AAAAAAAAJqw/zJH46NyUei4aShV4sreGPLrDYGyh_BxEQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/Photo%2BNov%2B10%252C%2B19%2B46%2B00.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Brian and I met up with Pim Cazemier in Heerenveen, our training partner from 2013.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HE2VqqLIadU/WiHZHKfx8AI/AAAAAAAAJqo/-Qo4wHVOh4IF8rpZMz4Ttc1C1fRuXlZvgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Photo%2BNov%2B06%252C%2B01%2B57%2B17.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HE2VqqLIadU/WiHZHKfx8AI/AAAAAAAAJqo/-Qo4wHVOh4IF8rpZMz4Ttc1C1fRuXlZvgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/Photo%2BNov%2B06%252C%2B01%2B57%2B17.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712246942615985539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274188355493894887.post-83117682909842276742017-11-09T14:31:00.004-06:002017-11-09T15:53:48.990-06:00Just Before World Cup 1 in Heerenveen, Netherlands<div style="text-align: left;">
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Jeffrey Jr. (currently in Heerenveen, Netherlands) - Got out on the ice a few times this week, following Brian Hansen, Joey Mantia, and Emery Leman on some of their fast Team Pursuit laps. The Mass Start Semi-Finals begin Friday, with the finals on Saturday! It's tough to specifically plan for the Mass Start but it's good to know your opponents, their tendencies and how to react to certain situations and at the end of the day you just got to be aggressive.<br />
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<b><u>World Cup Heerenveen Schedule</u></b><br />
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Friday: 500m, Team Pursuit, Mass Start semi-finals<br />
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Saturday: 500m, 1500m, Mass Start final<br />
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Sunday: 1000m, 3/5k, Team Sprint<br />
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I, Jeffrey, will be racing tomorrow's Mass Start semi-final @ approx. <b><u>12:40pm CST</u></b> and Brian Hansen will be racing in the Team Pursuit with Emery and Joey @ approx. <b><u>9:45am CST</u></b> (the 1st pair of teams start at 9:45, the US team are 2nd pair right after).<br />
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Nancy Jr. -<br />
To watch these events can be complicated if you haven't signed up for an <a href="http://icenetwork.com/">Icenetwork.com</a> account. I tend to head to <a href="https://nos.nl/sport/schaatsen/">https://nos.nl/sport/schaatsen/</a> but you have to use a Netherlands IP address (I do that by using Chrome and the AnonymoX app --> <a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/anonymox/icpklikeghomkemdellmmkoifgfbakio">https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/anonymox/icpklikeghomkemdellmmkoifgfbakio</a>). There could be other ways, but I just don't know until I try watching tomorrow. I know ISU has a channel here: <a href="http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/isu/Speed%20Skating/">http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/isu/Speed%20Skating/</a> where I also believe you need an IP address from either Europe or the Netherlands, not positive though!<br />
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Or you can just look at the live results for the whole weekend here (not video, just times/placings): <a href="http://live.isuresults.eu/2017-2018/heerenveen/">http://live.isuresults.eu/2017-2018/heerenveen/</a><br />
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If you know of any other ways, let me know or leave a comment below for everyone else to see!!!<br />
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Let the racing begin!<br />
Jeffrey Jr. & Nancy Jr.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274188355493894887.post-2612438573401774222017-11-02T10:34:00.000-05:002017-11-02T10:34:15.027-05:0099 days til the start of PyeongChang 2018 Olympics!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Hilary Barreto</span></td></tr>
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I have written a quick update below and then following, a more personal section of thoughts from lessons I keep learning from my speedskating career.<br />
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The quick update version:<br />
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It's November FIRST y'all (can't believe it), well into our speedskating season and Jeffrey and I are currently training in Milwaukee. About 2 weeks ago we had our Fall World Cup Qualifier (our first of 2 national races each year, and the 2nd one this year is the Olympic Trials). Jeffrey qualified for the Fall World Cup team in the Mass Start (YAY!!) and I struggled through all my races, missing the Fall World Cup team. This Saturday, Jeffrey will be leaving for the first World Cup race in Heerenveen, Netherlands. This race is followed by 2 more World Cups weeks later in Calgary, Canada and Salt Lake City. We will send out updates when those race days are available to watch online. For myself, I will stay here in Milwaukee training through til the Olympic Trials (basically 8 more weeks) because they are in Milwaukee at the Pettit National Ice Center this Olympiad! :) YOU SHOULD COME watch because this happens <u>once</u> every <u>four</u> years and its local to all of you living in Wisconsin/Illinois. Details will come later when times and tickets are available. At the moment, January 2nd and 7th are the best days to come watch Jeffrey, Brian and I.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Jeffrey in the Mass Start at the Fall World Cup Qualifier where he placed 2nd overall in points: he is 3rd from the right, front row</span></div>
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<u style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">For the more detailed explanation....keep reading!</span></u></h2>
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To think of one reason why I struggled at this past competition is like trying to find a polar bear in a <br />
snowstorm. There are just so many variables in speedskating to figure out exact reasons. Altitude, hitting my rest period wrong, equipment, a rash that I contracted from my skinsuit which was severe, past injuries, etc. It has made my mind spin thinking of what I could have done differently.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Hilary Barreto</span></td></tr>
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Or. There is another way of thinking. I read recently the verse, "<i>Let us run with patience." Hebrews 12:1.</i> I faced quite a bit of trials going into the 2010 Olympic Trials and the 2010 Olympics. Though I reached my goal and beyond, it definitely set me up for what was to come in these last 8 years, which were more trials. Just when I thought I hit rock bottom, I found myself sinking deeper as I was struggling season after season. Back when I missed the 2014 Olympic team, I had a terrible 3000m race, that night I just cried and wanted to be alone in my room because I felt defeated. My mom-coach's response was..."no Nance, you need to go back to the rink tomorrow and cheer for Jeffrey, Brian and your friends. You must push through what is painful because people will be watching how you deal with failure, falling short of your goals, and struggle. It’s in this time that you have the greatest influence on people and show an even greater example of Christ in your life.”<br />
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Those words and my mom's example have stuck with me since, helping me work through more adversity and obstacles in this sport. In these recent years, I have questioned being involved in speedskating because I just seem to be stuck in the same rut of poor results. But there's always been a little voice, whether it is friends speaking into me, Jeffrey Gingold :), or the following words that I have read that remind me of the pure strength of persevering through the season and staying positive. Words that suggest an even greater strength that is hardest to obtain:<br />
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<i>"...the power to continue working </i><b style="font-style: italic;">after</b><i> a set-back, the power to still run with a heavy heart, and the power to perform your daily tasks with a deep sorrow in your spirit. This is a Christlike thing! Many of us could tearlessly deal with our grief if only we were allowed to do so in private. Yet what is so difficult is that most of us are called to exercise our patience not in bed, but in the open street, for all to see. We are called upon to bury our sorrows not in restful inactivity, but in active service--in our workplace, while shopping, and during social events--contributing to other people's joy. No other way of burying our sorrow is as difficult as this, for it is truly what is meant by <b>running "with patience"</b>.</i> <i> --Streams in the Desert (October 30th)</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Hilary Barreto</span></td></tr>
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I do want to clarify that I know my trials start in a place of privilege; that I have been given the chance to pursue dreams and not live just to survive day to day. Trials I’ve struggled through have wiped out things I hold onto dearly. Things such as identity, security, good race results, and goals that not only I have worked so hard for and have sacrificed a lot of my life to achieve, but also the team behind my brother and I. Our team (YOU, you know who you are) has poured into us by encouraging us, giving their services, sponsoring us financially, coming up to Milwaukee to experience a day in the life of a speedskater, and it motivates us to achieve results for their hard work put into Jeffrey and I. To you, our team, we can't thank you enough for the time and effort you put into us to make our speedskating career happen.<br />
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And so, over the year of my career, I’ve learned that my responsibility is to take advantage of the opportunities given to me and to put in effort. <i>"To whom has been given much, much is expected."</i> I've been given incredible opportunities and it’s how I use my platform, share my journey, support others, give back, volunteer, etc. that will be required of me. Already it’s a frustrating start to my season, but it’s the <b>journey</b> to the goals that are most influential and will impact and develop your character for life. Choosing a positive mindset while perservering through adversity has been the challenge for me when no one is watching. An Olympian's life isn't glorious behind the scenes nor does previous success guarantee future success. Each moment in life is an incredible gift, but life is a grind and always will be. You have to always put in the effort knowing that no matter the outcome, it’s been worth it.<br />
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Keep your eyes out for more blog posts to come, because both Jeffrey and I know that this is the best platform to keep everyone informed on the next 8 weeks and beyond...AND, y'all will need info on the Olympic Trials coming up so you can <b>come watch the Olympic Trials in person! </b><br />
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God Bless,<br />
Nancy Jr.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JSMCult6nDUwCrv7IfnZsT_B8PkVo2q_4uY30FWkTny_9cH2P1X8OeROxwOnYH0xpPi5flj86E0XbDrF-njxrCweUwBEwerutfOiFHbvDZYmrOZLyHcFHcltNNQ8ioV1YRnrwD2ecAY/s1600/Peltz-41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JSMCult6nDUwCrv7IfnZsT_B8PkVo2q_4uY30FWkTny_9cH2P1X8OeROxwOnYH0xpPi5flj86E0XbDrF-njxrCweUwBEwerutfOiFHbvDZYmrOZLyHcFHcltNNQ8ioV1YRnrwD2ecAY/s640/Peltz-41.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Hilary Barreto</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712246942615985539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274188355493894887.post-67280761143003640122017-09-18T16:53:00.003-05:002017-09-18T16:58:08.254-05:00When she's not training she's buried in one woodburning project after another–a creative and beautiful way my sis is supporting her training. Thanks to one of our fantastic sponsors, Compass Mortgage of Illinois, for this video profile!<div style="text-align: center;">
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274188355493894887.post-71835308139826407332017-08-05T17:17:00.000-05:002017-08-05T17:31:56.298-05:00Our First Days Back on Ice!: Just Concluded a 3-Week training Camp in Salt Lake City this Past July<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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(Darren ditched us and trained in Calgary, Canada, all month instead)<br />
<br />Without fail, that first step on the ice always feels like the first time.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274188355493894887.post-27841335975354725362017-01-08T17:58:00.002-06:002017-01-09T21:40:13.471-06:00Final Day at the US Speedskating National Championships<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Day 3 & Final Day<br />
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1000m and the Mass Start.<br />
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Jeffrey had a great 1000m by skating his fastest lap time in a race to date with a personal best time of 1:10.2, but wasn't able to achieve his goal of wanting to break the 1:10 mark and finish with a 1:09. But that is what his next race on fast ice is for :) What Jeffrey is great at is that every year, he gets a little bit better. He spends hours studying and analyzing his technique to perfect it and hopefully by next year, he will race some pretty spectacular races leading into the Olympic Trials!<br />
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Brian had a good 1000m, placing 6th overall with a time of 1:09.30 and making his comeback to skating more solidified. It's quite impressive he has only been skating for 5 months after leaving the sport for over 2 years.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTy2ICL0HGfAHOcWufxu6A0p8MwLioN_P5_UTMYwYsNpk0lbtAbULGn13D_Uxk5aX-zkL-SrFym7aAAXnWKCE2HhwzCgd9QujfznxLjhwuUJaZbRzcfylTVQaCRT3Uf1MW-28_svsZyzA/s640/blogger-image--49209292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTy2ICL0HGfAHOcWufxu6A0p8MwLioN_P5_UTMYwYsNpk0lbtAbULGn13D_Uxk5aX-zkL-SrFym7aAAXnWKCE2HhwzCgd9QujfznxLjhwuUJaZbRzcfylTVQaCRT3Uf1MW-28_svsZyzA/s640/blogger-image--49209292.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Mass Start is a strategy/training/luck race. It is a pack-style race where it is not based on time, but who crosses the line first while they race for sprint laps within the 16 lap race. The littlest thing can swing it one way or another. Jeffrey is a smart strategist, having taken 8th in the World two years ago and he really needed to win this one to make it to the Single Distance World Championships (it is equivalent to the Olympics, non Olympic year). He didn't make it, finishing in the final 5-pack all within a second, but he is going to have to grab from it the things that will make him better for the next one. He loves this race and this is one of the goals for making the Olympics next year.<br />
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Brian placed 3rd overall, just missing out on making the World Single Distance Championships :(<br />
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So in conclusion from this weekend, Jeffrey qualified to compete at World Cup 5 in Berlin in the 1500m/5k at the end of January, along with hitting some personal bests and his fastest lap time in a race!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712246942615985539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274188355493894887.post-84107422351073607172017-01-07T20:51:00.000-06:002017-01-07T20:54:55.933-06:00More Updates: Video & MomCoach :)A video of Jeffrey's 1500m race today for you all to watch since these races aren't webcasted...and a classic pic of the mom coach, in rare form. Or the form that most people don't see, but I wish you all could see more. She can be so goofy, laugh til she squeals, serves others selflessly with no ulterior motive, and always up for fun and family time when life isn't so uptight with the skating life :)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712246942615985539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274188355493894887.post-88713490088039879662017-01-07T18:48:00.003-06:002017-01-07T18:48:26.915-06:00Day 2 - US National Championships<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAODaOWjL_vkT0F4IfGHgJQYQb4LXq1Drdh_TwO8AZTgiMVFoniwhaXiLKPy1WOlWn0WF91QxWYcKcrGhX5fNWelgwpwp0M7X-p2JKmeO3nlRMlLsOfJgtTQro9LsjLjM8h1bWzh54mCU/s640/blogger-image--1612080684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix37eD00aqheEHAAaQIdIVqKq7PC0LqFZSGga5uG4knhwxAhEDDk0o8H80pSRZU4lsXl5_QspwoBk1qtHAcSNc4w2EcZQwYBMEDztJlF2kXsNxnVFg_E9VxyX8IVPQ9pXA0o4P7dlZojM/s640/blogger-image--1793404883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix37eD00aqheEHAAaQIdIVqKq7PC0LqFZSGga5uG4knhwxAhEDDk0o8H80pSRZU4lsXl5_QspwoBk1qtHAcSNc4w2EcZQwYBMEDztJlF2kXsNxnVFg_E9VxyX8IVPQ9pXA0o4P7dlZojM/s1600/blogger-image--1793404883.jpg" /></a></div>
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Day 2.</div>
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Today was the 1500m race. Jeffrey placed 4th overall in the US, qualifying him in the 1500m as well for the World Cup in Berlin, with a time of 1:47.4, just a second off his personal record. His goal was to set a personal at a 1:46.3, which he didn't achieve, but he did achieve is goal of making the world cup team in this distance alongside the 5k! </div>
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Brian Hansen, our training partner and friend, also qualified for the Berlin World Cup by placing third overall today in the 1500m just ahead of Jeffrey. He's had a great comeback to this sport after taking a couple years off to pursue finishing a college education and picking up some fun hobbies on the side like surfing.</div>
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As for myself, I told you yesterday I would be racing the 1500m today and the 1000m tomorrow. But unfortunately, I have been dealing with an overtraining syndrome for over a month, which hasn't subsided, causing me to pull out of this weekends racing much to my regret. So the goal for myself right now is to overcome this with some rest, then slowly build up training again and persist thru March for the end of the season race in Calgary, Canada, the Finale.</div>
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Oh the obstacles the Lord throws at us...I will keep my head up and persevere, but I am also recognizing that the Lord is preparing me for when my speedskating career is finished and I am excited for the opportunities that will bring :)</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712246942615985539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274188355493894887.post-88299564433714518732017-01-06T18:39:00.000-06:002017-01-07T18:12:32.926-06:00First Day of US National All-around Trials<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhTpXKE5uRK4YTt_s9wSYH42RAk-mZGoC_CijIJTLYvY0PpAzBLP98y_SZHz-El1EgEGuhvF2GWiWvCfx2WvgHYfU09uHvmUmejFDCSNiCW0vkA7hVbIHREmVBP7uSLC8syl_db-pG7o/s1600/IMG_2959.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhTpXKE5uRK4YTt_s9wSYH42RAk-mZGoC_CijIJTLYvY0PpAzBLP98y_SZHz-El1EgEGuhvF2GWiWvCfx2WvgHYfU09uHvmUmejFDCSNiCW0vkA7hVbIHREmVBP7uSLC8syl_db-pG7o/s640/IMG_2959.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Today was the first day of the US National Trials here in Salt Lake City and Jeffrey placed 3rd in the US in the 5000m with a personal best time of 6:34.77! A great race especially when that's not his specialty race. Coach mom and myself are happy for him :) He raced the 5k in order to secure a spot for the next World Cup in Berlin at the end of January, but his best and favorite race is the 1500m which he races tomorrow. On Sunday, he races the 1000m and the Mass Start. Keep up on the results at this link (they're live during races too!): </span><a href="http://speedskatingresults.com/live/">http://speedskatingresults.com/live/</a><br />
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I didn't race today, but tomorrow, I will also be racing the 1500m and Sunday, the 1000m/maybe the Mass Start!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712246942615985539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274188355493894887.post-89443860993311928072016-12-22T13:32:00.001-06:002016-12-22T13:41:26.431-06:00World Cup 3 & 4<div>
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Hi all! Good to be back here 😎.</div>
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The end of November and beginning of December found me competing at World Cup competitions in Astana, Kazakhstan and Heerenveen, Holland. Many and I began this season with some mediocre racing in October so I'm truly thankful for any chances to still compete internationally for the US–the elite competition experience is invaluable to any athlete. The single event I raced was the Team Pursuit in Astana where we took 10th place out of 12 countries, We had been hoping to qualify a time to secure a spot for us in the World Championships in February but unfortunately we didn't, and I didn't perform as well as I should have. With that behind me now, I'm looking forward to seeing improvements in the second half of the season. Remember, failures are really the stepping stones for success as long as you don't see them as your hurdles!</div>
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Here's some photos from the trip with USA's World Cup speedskating team below.</div>
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<b><u>Astana, Kazakhstan</u></b></div>
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Arriving in Kazakhstan after a long day and a half trip:</div>
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The outside of our hotel in Astana:<br />
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Astana from my hotel window–a really interesting and sprawling city (but kind of empty!):</div>
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A famous landmark in Astana, the Bayterek:<br />
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Some of the team heading to the rink with Brian Hansen giving the peace sign:<br />
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Teammates Brian Hansen and Darren Huang before practice:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p5vFEu_jtlc/WFtRmFqKGCI/AAAAAAAAJRo/Oet2A-7bunIX3wViic3RHz-snW3gu0-HACLcB/s1600/IMG_1875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p5vFEu_jtlc/WFtRmFqKGCI/AAAAAAAAJRo/Oet2A-7bunIX3wViic3RHz-snW3gu0-HACLcB/s640/IMG_1875.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">About to hop on the ice for the first session:</span></div>
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A few of us visited QSI International School of Astana to spend some recess time with the kids there and spend some Q&A time sharing about the crazy sport that we're competing in over there. Thank you for the traditional Kazakh slippers!<br />
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"Yo, we need some kind of cool photo."<br />
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<span style="clear: left; color: black; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RWZB62wPD2I/WFtRoZFDyFI/AAAAAAAAJRs/eFE-5_Psg74K39_OngdLRcd0jQ3kA8BjgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RWZB62wPD2I/WFtRoZFDyFI/AAAAAAAAJRs/eFE-5_Psg74K39_OngdLRcd0jQ3kA8BjgCLcB/s640/IMG_1897.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><span style="clear: left; color: black; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">At the start of the men's Team Pursuit:</span><br />
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I led the second lap in our TP:</div>
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Brian getting cupped in between competition days:<br />
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Visiting Astana's iconic tent mall, the Khan Shatyr. It was so high inside:</div>
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<b><u>Heerenveen, Holland</u></b></div>
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First day frost on the leaves outside our hotel:<br />
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The new Thialf, Heerenveen's famous ice rink:<br />
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Warming up for practice:<br />
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Looking at the rink through the windows from the athlete training room:</div>
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One of the best memories from the trip; racing a "Holland Cup" competition with all Dutch skaters in Deventer, since I wasn't racing in Heerenveen's World Cup competition. I got to compete Dutch style in the fog inside a half covered oval. The craziest part was entering the foggy turn at 3o+ mph and hoping you're skating the correct track!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274188355493894887.post-2523711048919485422016-12-02T16:44:00.003-06:002016-12-21T21:47:21.307-06:00World Cup Astana, Kazakhstan!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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In less than 24 hours Jeffrey, along with TeamSwiderPeltz teammate Brian Hansen, and Joey Mantia will be racing in the Team Pursuit event at the ISU Speedskating World Cup in Astana, Kazakhstan. First World Cup for both of them this year and pumped to watch Brian make his Speedskating comeback on the World Cup stage. For those that don't know, the Team Pursuit consists of 3 skaters from the same country working together racing one other country at a time. Fastest time wins overall (so even if you lose to your pair, if you're still one of the fastest teams you can place overall! Different from the Olympics setup. Here's an example from my Olympic race in Vancouver 2010: <a href="https://youtu.be/l62SPPqPj-s?t=22m38s">https://youtu.be/l62SPPqPj-s?t=22m38s</a><br />
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Anyways. The main reason for this post is that the boys race at 8:20am CST tomorrow morning SHARP and if you want to watch them live, you'll have to change your IP address to one from the Netherlands. To do that, on the computer I've opened up my Chrome browser and downloaded AnonyMox here: (there should pop up an X in the top right corner of the browser. Now change the identity to the Netherlands flag) <a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/anonymox/icpklikeghomkemdellmmkoifgfbakio?hl=en">https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/anonymox/icpklikeghomkemdellmmkoifgfbakio?hl=en</a><br />
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Or I downloaded on my iPhone this app that changes your IP address as well:<br />
hide.me VPN - Free VPN Proxy for Secure Browsing<br />
<a href="https://appsto.re/us/F8JZ4.i">https://appsto.re/us/F8JZ4.i </a><br />
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I used the App on my phone above and it worked well today watching the 5k men racing. So once you've changed your IP address, go to this site and click the play button at the top: <a href="http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/isu/">http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/isu/</a><br />
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If further questions, message me on Facebook or text me preferably tonight because tomorrow morning I'm watching them myself, training then listening to Wheaton College's round 3 playoff game that my younger brother, Johnny, will maybe be playing in. Chaotic day in the life of Nancy Jr!<br />
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God Bless,<br />
Nancy Jr.<br />
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1 Corinthians 9:25<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712246942615985539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274188355493894887.post-59240388946041641082016-11-28T15:48:00.002-06:002016-12-07T11:44:53.868-06:00Believe it or not, its a NEW TeamSwiderPeltz blog post! lol<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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It's been too long. And we are sorry about that. It's a hard balance to find when much of our free time between workouts is spent actively recovering to make sure we are prepared for the next workout or speaking for myself (Nancy Jr.), I find that I'm just too exhausted post workouts to have blogging on the forefront of my mind. But it is truly the best way to keep you all in the loop, which I know is the least we can do for all you who are our greatest support team.<br />
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That being said, here's an update :)<br />
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I am currently in the Calgary Airport waiting for my flight home to Chicago...just finished a 3-day weekend of racing at the CanAm competition and have 3 hours before our flight leaves and felt too guilty to not get back on this and post an update! haha<br />
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Our training group has grown a little. I still train with Jeffrey, Brian Hansen (who is making his comeback this year), Darren Huang (taiwanese speedskating training partner that has been with us for a bunch of years now), but now we have an awesome girl that has joined us: Petra Acker. Simply, I needed a girl training partner (the boys have gotten too fast for some training workouts) and she needed to be based more consistently at an indoor rink. So mom-coach reached out to her asking if she wanted to join our group...thankfully she said yes. It's been good to skate at a pace thats better for me so I don't fall into the overtraining I have done way too many times. And having Petra now, we push each other to our limits daily at a pace thats better tuned for our abilities. Lets just say its been a great fit! And she's a great encourager as well when I am having a hard day.<br />
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Our group didn't come together as a whole until the ice opened up in Milwaukee mid-August, so all summer Jeffrey and I trained together, and every one else was doing their thing. Tons of grueling inlining, weights, dryland skating imitation, stair intervals, etc. It was a solid summer. AND it was a solid first couple months of training on the ice before our first major competition in October for the Fall World Cup Qualifier in Milwaukee which some of you came to and SO thankful!!! From the first weeks on the ice, Petra and I trained weekly to push each other, skate faster, work through intense painful workouts, and became great friends. We had a Team Pursuit training camp with the National Team in Milwaukee mid-September that went well for all of us. But when it came to the Fall World Cup Qualifier, some of us struggled and were frustrated with results that didn't match the effort and work put in for so many months beforehand.<br />
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For myself, I was truly disappointed. And like I have been in the past on this blog, I will be honest and vulnerable, sharing a side of sport that is not usually seen because of the athlete drive to be the best and share a front that is strong, successful and all-good. But as much of you who know me know, I have struggled more than I have succeeded in speedskating. Yes I have made an Olympic team and that was my most proud moment of my athletic career, but I have failed in this sport more than I have had success. I hit rock bottom a lot. And yes, I have questioned my continuing in speedsakting more than once. To some, they may think I should be done and hang up my speedskates, but there is a fire still within me that says to keep persevering when my mind tells me I'm crazy. To continue on when I can't see the future, but He can. There is a certain truth, though, that out of some of the greatest hardships, the most disappointing moments, the times I am feeling ashamed at myself...come the greatest rewards (ask most champions). And those rewards are not just going to be in the obvious successes of winning, but will come in a form completely unexpected like influencing those people around you. And that is what continues to drive me in this sport that I have been so fortunate to keep pursuing and pouring my life into all these years: using the platform that I have been so fortunate to have and impact, encourage, and influence those around me and point them towards Christ.<br />
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Ok back to October. Again, the Fall Trials didn't go as most of us hoped, but Brian, Jeffrey, Petra, and Darren (who already qualified on his own) still made some of the Fall World Cups. Brian, Jeffrey, Darren and coach mom are currently in Astana, Kasakstan for their first world cup this season and will be competing THIS coming weekend...updates for those races/results will come later this week! And Petra and I are currently waiting for our flight home to Chicago after a pretty successful weekend competing here at an international race called the CanAms at the Calgary Olympic Oval (where mom-coach competed in her last Olympics in 1988!). Love this rink. It is one of the fastest in the world, rivaling the Salt Lake City Olympic oval. Petra dominated actually...setting a personal best (PB) in her 3000m, coming 4 tenths away from a PB in her 1500m and getting close in her 1000m and 500m. I, on the other hand, really struggled the first two days. My 1500m and 3000m were not close to what I am capable of, which brought me to a low point Saturday night. But I knew I couldn't dwell there, so with the help my my mom (who was flying to Astana at the time and on a layover in Frankfurt), Danny (my boyfriend), Petra and some friends, I stepped back trying to see the larger picture and brought my mind back to positivity. Sunday (yesterday) I was to race the 500 and 1000m and told myself I was going to have fun, setting aside my disappointments and getting pumped to sprint. My favorite race has always been the 1000m...and though I have not been training for these sprint races, I was going to mentally prep myself instead by setting goals and visually running through my races. The 3 goals I set I accomplished :) and raced times I haven't hit since 2013 SO...I ended on a great note and am leaving Calgary encouraged (because I still have the ability to skate fast laps! haha) and ready for the next weeks of hard training ahead leading into our US Nationals out in Salt Lake City come early January.<br />
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Hope that gives some brief insight on the TeamSwiderPeltz training life so far and wanting to encourage you that if you want to pray for us, we would love prayer support as we continue to train hard and prepare for important races as well as staying healthy and injury-free throughout the next year and a half. We thank you all so much for your support, love, and encouragement...I know I say that a lot, but I (and Jeffrey) can't emphasize it enough. We are able to do this, to pursue speedskating and live out dreams with the talent/abilities the Lord gave us because of YOU.<br />
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God Bless,<br />
Nancy Jr.<br />
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1 Corinthians 9:25<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712246942615985539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274188355493894887.post-86197312762317461412016-02-03T14:55:00.001-06:002016-02-04T08:37:41.662-06:00Stavanger World Cup 5 Recap<br />
Overall, Nancy and I didn't perform great. Neither of us qualified for the World All-Around Championships next month in Berlin. But that's the life of an athlete, unless maybe you've risen to the title of Champion in your sport and when you're at the top it's a little easier to stay at the top for a while. But we're both not at the top, yet. Nancy and I had a great US Championships a few weeks earlier, but sometimes race weekends just don't turn out if one (of countless reasons) hasn't prepared your body and mind just right for that weekend of racing. Now as the speedskating season shuts down during the next couple months we both have to figure out which competition we will finish the 2015/16 season with!<br />
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We just want to continue to say a sincere thanks for all the thoughts and encouragement from you all out there, we gave it our best!<br />
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Race morning warmup<br />
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My 5000m race<br />
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Warming up for the 3000m race<br />
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Pre-3000m race<br />
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12 year old Andreas speedskates and cycles on a team here in Stavanger. He also returned my lost phone to me :)<br />
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Andreas' 7 year old sister Adele also speedskates. The next brother/sister speedskating duo for Norway?<br />
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Cycling warm up room</div>
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Erik Gilmore. Our Norwegian/American friend who we trained with in Milwaukee when he lived there for 3 years. Haven't seen him til this weekend!</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUZXCJu6-8_EN-bJ9bOsc2Q1kM-0tQehSkBxlRvf2k8DgyIMrZqv1-UqMRKj-abfn_b6a4JtjRXD-C85fqIlNBm8lORtKAacCfelZzlrScrkRpOFlWHmZeriA_sQaDjXhBzNRohGjC-0/s640/IMG_3820.JPG" /></div>
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Photo Credit: Oscar van den Bosch (SchaatsFoto's)<br />
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Right before Jeffrey's 1500m A group race (my gloves always feel too small)</div>
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Cameras on Nancy<br />
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One of the crazier things that happened this weekend was that the lights completely shut off during Nancy's 5000m race! Nobody was sure if the (quad of) skaters were going to keep going but all four of them finished–it was kind of cool to see.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274188355493894887.post-22289291409898738992016-01-30T15:35:00.000-06:002016-02-03T14:53:40.967-06:00World Cup Stavanger Day 2<div>
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Short update, again because we need to get to bed for another big race day tomorrow. Jeffrey raced his 5k today and I raced my 1500m. Jeffrey's 5k was solidly consistent, but not his potential...and my 1500m was, well, lets just say my first World Cup race in 4 years. And it is a race from which I can only get better and improve. To be honest I was not happy at all, but as I sat down afterwards, I was just thankful to have the opportunity to be at this World Cup and gain international experience again. Perspective. I can smile though it hurt. :)<br />
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Tomorrow is the 1000m for Jeffrey and the 3000m for me. Jeffrey will be racing at 11:35am (4:35am CST) and I will be racing the 3k at 12:40pm (5:40am CST). The last day of racing!</div>
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Picture below is of our great and long-time friend Mats Roger Jensen who we've known from the days of summer ice camp in Hamar (Norway) that Mom-coach taught for years. Then he came to the US and trained with TeamSwiderPeltz for the 2010 Olympics but missed it. He's an incredibly hard worker, has a heart of gold and am so thankful we are able to catch up with him and his father Geir-Arne again. <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_VagUTMIua9QZG1Rb4xCR0Pdf383gZ42dXHQNjK4i1xxKzuiPUd0SzwuB9y2Qafou_FLnw5MJ7RQl3vHDaOn2K06K4aHj8_U4m2LeJbxfwU4NYCMSehssI8GyIJ4kpp_h3yQ5LNC6Zg/s640/blogger-image-1976453696.jpg" /></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712246942615985539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274188355493894887.post-91926262811054262412016-01-29T16:08:00.000-06:002016-01-29T19:42:25.610-06:001500 Meters Earlier Today<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Real quick cause I'm going to bed–I finished 20th out of 20 in A group. So not a very good race today although I thought I was on a good one. It's ok though, it's been a great year! You can’t win them all–but almost all. Tomorrow both Nancy and I are racing. A 1500m for her and a 5k for me. Let's go!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">UPDATE: By the way, here's the video of the 1500m!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/isu/#dm9kOzE3MTMz" target="_blank">http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/isu/#dm9kOzE3MTMz</a></span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274188355493894887.post-75191156443330316532016-01-28T13:58:00.001-06:002016-01-29T05:22:32.622-06:00Jeffrey Racing the 1500m Tomorrow<div>
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Jeffrey will be racing the 1500m tomorrow at 6pm Stavanger time, 11am Central Standard Time for those back home! This is his best race and will be racing in the A group, first pair as shown above. This race combined with his 5k race Saturday will determine if he will then make the World Championships that will be held in Berlin a month from now! Support him, pray for him, cheer him on :)<br />
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To watch his race (because he is in A group and its shown live), one must be on the Google Chrome browser, download this: <a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/anonymox/icpklikeghomkemdellmmkoifgfbakio">https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/anonymox/icpklikeghomkemdellmmkoifgfbakio</a><br />
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When downloaded, there will be a blue X in the upper right corner. click on it, change the country to NL (netherlands), and go to this website: <a href="http://nos.nl/sport/schaatsen/">http://nos.nl/sport/schaatsen/</a> where there should be a yellow box or something that will say "live" 1500m men. Click on that and watch! Sorry I won't be able to help much because I will be watching him race live myself, but will keep you all update later unless you follow me on Instagram where I will post his results soon after his race..<br />
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For LIVE time results, click on this link: <a href="http://live.isuresults.eu/2015-2016/stavanger/d505.htm">http://live.isuresults.eu/2015-2016/stavanger/d505.htm</a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712246942615985539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274188355493894887.post-12704841571074239072016-01-26T10:08:00.000-06:002016-01-28T05:03:19.311-06:00Video from Stavanger and a training session in the Sørmarka Ice Arena where the World Cup will take place this Friday-Sunday.<div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YLKz_6VbHzM" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712246942615985539noreply@blogger.com0