News Archive

December 15, 2003
Speedskating Championships Will Feature Top Skaters

The Pettit National Ice Center, a U.S Olympic Training Facility, will serve as the host for the 2003 United States Long Track Speed Skating Championships, December 20-23, 2003. The Championships will mark the first US Speedskating competition at the Pettit since 2002.

The Long Track Championships, with racing starting on December 20th at 10am, will feature many notable names, past Olympic medal winners and many Wisconsin-born skaters. Below is a break down of some of the female long track speed skaters that will compete at the Pettit National Ice Center as part of the Long Track Championships.

Chris Witty-Born and raised in West Allis, Wisconsin, Chris was a 1994, 1998 and 2002 Olympian. She was a three-time Olympic medallist (1998 Olympic Winter Games, silver, 1000m; bronze, 1500m; 2002 Olympic Winter Games, gold, 1000m). Only ninth athlete ever to compete in both Summer and Winter Olympics (2000 Olympics).

Catherine Raney- Hailing from Elm Grove, Wisconsin, Catherine was a 1998 and 2002 Olympian. Catherine placed 9th in the 5000-meters at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games and was the 1999 and 2002 U.S. Allround Championships Overall Champion.

Sarah Elliott- Sarah hails from Oconomowoc, Wisconsin and was 1st, overall in the U.S. Junior Speedskating Championships in 1999 and 2000.

Maria Lamb- Maria, a native of River Falls, Wisconsin is the Junior American record holder for both All Around Short Track and Long Track Samalog and is the American record holder for the 10,000 meters. Maria also was the 3rd place finisher in the 2003 World Junior Championships.

Becky Lang- This 2000 graduate of Milwaukee Pius, was 2nd overall at the 1999-2000 U.S. Junior Speedskating Championships and turned in a 1st place overall finish at the1999-2000 American Cup Standings (allround).

Erin Porter- Erin, a Saratoga Springs, New York native was a 1998 and 2002 Short Track Olympian and a Member of the bronze medal relay team at the 1998 World Short Track Championships. Erin was 1st overall at the 1997 U.S. Short Track Championships and was a member of the American record 3000-meter relay team (4:20.730, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2/20/02).

For media credentials to secure your spot at any of the weekend’s activities or for more information on the 2003 United States Long Track Speed Skating Championships contact Rob Multerer at the Pettit National Ice Center. Tickets are also available for $5 each day.

Contact: Rob Multerer
Director of Marketing
Pettit National Ice Center
414.266.0100, ext. 132
rmulterer@thepettit.com