The Pettit National Ice Center, a U.S. Olympic Training Site, is proud to announce the success of Mitchell Whitmore and Brian Hansen at the 2009 Junior World Championships held in Zakopane, Poland held on February 20 and 21.
Mitchell Whitmore of Waukesha, Wisconsin became the mens world junior champion in the 500m after laying the foundation for this victory with a record-breaking time of 36.44 in his first race.
Brian Hansen of Glenview, IL started off slow in the 1000m, but pulled off a fantastic final lap, finishing in seventh place with a time of 1:13.31. Hansen ended in third place overall in individual distance and third overall with the USA team which included Laurence Ducker (St. Paul, MN) and Jonathan Kuck (Champagne, IL).
In the 5000m, Brian Hansen (Glenview, IL) and Kuck were paired together. Hansen finished in second place, while Kuck followed close behind with a third place finish.
For the first time ever the U.S. has put two skaters on the podium in the allround portion at the Junior World Championships.
For more information about any skaters that train at the Pettit Center, please contact Rob Multerer by phone at 414.266.0100, ext. 132 or by email at rmulterer@thepettit.com.
