US Masters' Single Distance 2013

Sixty speed skaters, the largest turnout ever-participated in the 2013 US Masters Single Distance Championships at the Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee January 5th and 6th. Results are indicted in the photo album, but skaters as old as Vern Kappes, 80 years young with 77 consecutive seasons, became US champions. In addition to US athletes, there were speed skaters representing Canada, Germany and Romania competing at this event. This event also featured a surprise 12 laps mass start event at the end, won by Kevin Geminder during a down to the line sprint with Canadian and former pro horse jockey Constant Montpellier in the men's division and Melissa Dahlmann for the women. Congratulations to the three skaters that broke the world record in their age groups-Boris Leikin (M60, 40”76) in the 500 meter race, and Melissa Dahlmann (L30, 7’41”77) and Jacki Munzel (L45, 8’03”21) in their 5.000 meter races. They were simply outstanding in their technique and determination.

Thanks to all the athletes that made this an exciting event. Thanks to Chief referee Ernie Kretschmann, Jim White, PNIC time trial officials and timing deck, Akthea and Butch Pearson, Jeff Plizka, Brian Moilenda, Myron Yencha, Mark Whitmore, Paul Golomski, executive director Randy Dean, Kevin Butler, and all the ice stewards and volunteers that made this largest ever USMSD Championships happen. Thanks to pro photographer Steven Penland for his fantastic work in taking these pictures and creating this great collection of some of the best skaters in the United States and from the rest of the world. Also many, many thanks to the SkateNow Shop in Salt Lake City for their continuing support of lifelong speed skating in the United States.

Speed and Health

Olu

You can read the results here:

2013 usmsd - results.pdf

You can see the photo album at the following link:

https://picasaweb.google.com/117732309012142935371/USMastersSingleDistance2013?authuser=0&feat=directlink

You can follow highlights of the action by watching races on Youtube at the following links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UC3wJ12AK4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXS8OR4ssm4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgjF0egxdYo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSDXlfzTWRA