One Year Out - 2018 Olympic Trials, Will Not Be Forgotten (By Nancy Sr.)

To all of you reading this, my purpose is twofold:

1. 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).

Success at Our Fingertips: We Need to Give Purpose to More Than Just Medals

Jeffrey jr. and coach, 1998

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. The event has been for the US, an historically miscalculated race, resulting in more strategic failures than athlete failures. Just saying...

Luck is where opportunity and preparation meet. Was the men’s team fully prepared? The team was more than capable but a full team may have made the difference. 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.

Before you say I’m belaboring the point, 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. It WILL happen.

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.

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. 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. 

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.

- Nancy Sr.

Olympics; Right, Wrong, or What's Best?

Jeffrey anticipating that this finish would put him on the Olympic Team

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 inherent problem in USS discretionary selections.

Yet to me, it doesn't need to be an involved written change, but simply the overlying rule that the athlete's best interest always comes first.

I didn't involve myself in the conflicting reasons as to why Jeffrey wasn't ultimately selected because I wanted to trust the system that justice would prevail, as I had been asked to do for the last 4 years.

I am challenging now because the U.S. Olympic Team Pursuit selection process was unjust. This is a necessary 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.

Team Pursuit selection is quadrenilaly a serious issue and medals are lost because of discretionary decisions. This has happened before in 2010.

The reasons Jeffrey wasn't selected, stated by the selection committee (not National coaches), seem valid IF the goal is to take fewer skaters and be less prepared.

The committee decided:

1. "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.
2. "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! As a team, the business strategy is: always be prepared. The team is simply not fully prepared for this 2018 Olympics.
3. 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.
4. 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.

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 against the athlete than for the athlete.

This should bother the public who believes they have their athletes' back, especially all those invested in the skater.

This should bother the aspiring skater who would only want to see a fair path to make an Olympic Team.

This should bother the USOC that it is an exclusionary action that goes against their own written Olympic Creed.

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?

-Nancy Sr.

US Speedskating Not in Line with Olympic Core Values

No doubt we all watch the Olympics to see who will win gold. But what truly inspires you?

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 one year ago. 

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.

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. 

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.

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 site about the Olympic Movement:

Olympic Creed: 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.  

Olympism: 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.  

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.

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.

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 “we don’t plan on using a 4th Team Pursuit skater in the Olympics, but if we were 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.” This means that US Speedskating would essentially be throwing out an Olympic team race if they found themselves in this situation. A reason that goes against the core values they supposedly represent.

You can read Jeffrey’s recap of the Olympic Trials here: https://www.facebook.com/notes/jeffrey-swider-peltz/recapping-the-olympic-trials/10159954151895525/

To anwer some questions you might have in your mind:

• 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. 
• 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.
• 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).

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.

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, for the grassroot kids who dream like I once did.

#sendJeffreytotheOlympics 

Nancy Jr.

Heartache (by Nancy Sr.)

Steve Penland

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

It was his boyhood dream that in (0.1) vanished. 

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.

Knowing the sacrifices many of you made, as well, to get him there, of course was a huge motivation in his career. 

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.

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. 

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.

Nancy Sr.

Last 2 Days of the Olympic Trials -how/when to watch

Steve Penland

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...

Now for the last 2 days of the Olympic Trials...

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.

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.

For the women, start time is 6:06pm CST and I am racing in the 5th pair, going off at 6:20pm.

See below for the pairings of both the men and women's 1500m.

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! 

For those that need a good explanation (super informative including history) on how the Mass Start works, thanks to Daniel Yeow, head here ---> https://www.danielyeow.com

For those of you not attending, check out the NBC schedule here on how to watch the next 2 days via live stream: http://www.nbcolympics.com/news/how-watch-us-olympic-speed-skating-trials

Pics from last Tuesday's race day...

Shelby Knowles

Shelby Knowles 

Shelby Knowles

Only some of the incredible crew that came out to support and cheer on Team Swider-Peltz! So thankful 

Shelley & Steven still repping the t-shirts that they had made for my 2010 Vancouver Olympics when they came to watch! 

Shelby Knowles 

Shelby Knowles

Shelby Knowles

Shelby Knowles

Shelby Knowles

Steve Penland

Steve Penland

Shelby Knowles

Shelby Knowles

Olympic Trials Tickets -details!

                                                                                                                                                      Photo Credit: Hilary Barreto

As many of you know, the long track speedskating Olympic Trials are coming up in just 2 weeks and 2 days to MILWAUKEE (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.

Olympic Trials Schedule (all in CST): 

• Day 1 (Women 3000m/Men 5000m)
  January 2, 2018
  3:20 pm - 6:00 pm
• Day 2 (Men & Women 1000m)
  January 3, 2018
  4:45 pm - 6:30 pm
• Day 3 (Women 5k & Men 10k)
  January 4, 2018
  4:55 pm - 7:30 pm
• Day 4 (Men & Women 500m)
  January 5, 2018
  3:20 pm - 7:00 pm
• Day 5 (Men & Women 1500m)
  January 6, 2018
  5:05 pm - 7:00 pm
• Day 6 (Women & Men Mass Start)
  January 7, 2018
  5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

- Jeffrey Jr. will be racing in the 5000m, 1500m and the Mass Start.

- Nancy (myself) will be racing the 3000m, maybe the 5k, 1500m and the Mass Start. 

- Brian Hansen will be racing the 1000m, 1500m, Mass Start.

**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!!!

To buy tickets to the races head here:

https://pettitcenter.eventsmart.com/events/trials/

NOTE!!!! 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!

For directions to the Pettit National Ice Center, see the map below

World Cup #4 - Salt Lake City!

Today begins the last fall World Cup in Salt Lake City!

And today Jeffrey and Brian are both racing the Mass Start semi-finals. They will be racing this afternoon:

Mass Start semi-final #1: Brian Hansen @ 4:24pm MT (5:24 CST)
Mass Start semi-final #2: Jeffrey Swider-Peltz Jr. @ 4:39pm MT (5:39 CST)

All B group racing and the Mass Start semis should be able to be seen at this link here:

https://www.teamusa.org/US-Speedskating/News/Featured-
News/2017/December/06/World-Cup-Salt-Lake-Live-Stream

To watch the rest of the World Cup A group racing, either you need to head to http://web.icenetwork.com/home (you need a subscription) or you will have to switch IP addresses and head to http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/isu/

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: http://live.isuresults.eu/2017-2018/saltlakecity/ 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).

Brian Hansen will also be racing the Team Pursuit today (2:11pm MT).

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: http://live.isuresults.eu/2017-2018/saltlakecity/

World Cup #3 in Calgary, Canada, and World Cup #1 Results from Heerenveen, Holland

Hello 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.

Here's what the schedule for this weekend of World Cup #3 looks like:

Saturday:

12:30 PM MT: Mens A Group 1000m (Brian Hansen)
 2:14PM MT: men’s Teams Pursuit (Brian Hansen)
3:52 PM MT: Mens Mass Start Semi-Final (Jeffrey)


Sunday:

Time TBD: Mens 1500 A Group (Brian)
Time TBD: Mens Mass Start Final (Jeffrey)

Live video stream:: http://www.speedskating.ca/events/isu-world-cup-speed-skating-3-calgary-can.
(Those in the US need to change your IP address to one in Canada)

Live results: http://live.isuresults.eu/2017-2018/calgary/index.htm

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.

Sunday’s mass start final is determined by finishing top 8 in the Mass Start Semi-Final on Saturday.

(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.

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.



Brian, me and some of the US team resting on during this Wednesday's practice.

What happened in Heerenveen?

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. 

Here's a screenshot of the overall Mass Start rankings since Heerenveen:

Racing the Mass Start Semi-Final in Heerenveen. Glancing over at Seung-Hoon Lee with Arjan Stroetinga right behind him.



Brian and I met up with Pim Cazemier in Heerenveen, our training partner from 2013.

Just Before World Cup 1 in Heerenveen, Netherlands

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.

World Cup Heerenveen Schedule

Friday: 500m, Team Pursuit, Mass Start semi-finals

Saturday: 500m, 1500m, Mass Start final

Sunday: 1000m, 3/5k, Team Sprint


I, Jeffrey, will be racing tomorrow's Mass Start semi-final @ approx. 12:40pm CST and Brian Hansen will be racing in the Team Pursuit with Emery and Joey @ approx. 9:45am CST (the 1st pair of teams start at 9:45, the US team are 2nd pair right after).


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nancy Jr. -
To watch these events can be complicated if you haven't signed up for an Icenetwork.com account. I tend to head to https://nos.nl/sport/schaatsen/ but you have to use a Netherlands IP address (I do that by using Chrome and the AnonymoX app --> https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/anonymox/icpklikeghomkemdellmmkoifgfbakio). There could be other ways, but I just don't know until I try watching tomorrow. I know ISU has a channel here: http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/isu/Speed%20Skating/ where I also believe you need an IP address from either Europe or the Netherlands, not positive though!

Or you can just look at the live results for the whole weekend here (not video, just times/placings): http://live.isuresults.eu/2017-2018/heerenveen/

If you know of any other ways, let me know or leave a comment below for everyone else to see!!!

Let the racing begin!
Jeffrey Jr. & Nancy Jr.

99 days til the start of PyeongChang 2018 Olympics!

                                                                                                                            Hilary Barreto

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.

The quick update version:

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 once every four 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.

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

For the more detailed explanation....keep reading!

To think of one reason why I struggled at this past competition is like trying to find a polar bear in a
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.

                                                                                            Hilary Barreto

Or. There is another way of thinking. I read recently the verse, "Let us run with patience." Hebrews 12:1. 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.”

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:

"...the power to continue working after 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 running "with patience".    --Streams in the Desert (October 30th)

Hilary Barreto

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.

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. "To whom has been given much, much is expected." 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 journey 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.

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 come watch the Olympic Trials in person! 

God Bless,
Nancy Jr.

Hilary Barreto

When 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!

Our First Days Back on Ice!: Just Concluded a 3-Week training Camp in Salt Lake City this Past July

(Darren ditched us and trained in Calgary, Canada, all month instead)

Without fail, that first step on the ice always feels like the first time.

Final Day at the US Speedskating National Championships

Day 3 & Final Day

1000m and the Mass Start.

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!

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.

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.

Brian placed 3rd overall, just missing out on making the World Single Distance Championships :(

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!

More 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 :)

Day 2 - US National Championships

Day 2.

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! 

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.

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.

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 :)

First Day of US National All-around Trials

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!): http://speedskatingresults.com/live/

I didn't race today, but tomorrow, I will also be racing the 1500m and Sunday, the 1000m/maybe the Mass Start!