USA Without A Medal in Olympic Speed Skating

The United States had high hopes for the Speed Skating events at the Sochi Olympics, but eight events into the competition not one U.S. skater has stood on the podium. The United States highest hopes for a medal stood in the hands of veterans Shani Davis who won Olympic gold in Vancouver, and also world record holder in the 1000 Brittany Bowe. Both competitors finished far from the podium, in the 1500 8th for Davis, and in the 1000 14th for Bowe.

Two races into the Speed Skating competition both athletes and coaches could tell something was wrong with the performances in the finals of the 5000 and 3000 meter races. The new Under Armour speed suits that had not been previously worn in competition were thought to be a factor behind the misfortune. Minor alterations were made to the suits such as modifying the zippers and seams on the backs of the suits. Six more races were competed in with the suit being worn until the Athletes and Coaches finally decided it would be best for them to return to the previously worn older model of the current suit.

Though after the results of the 1500 it can be confirmed that the suits had little to do with the outcome of the previous races with the best place finish of 7th by Heather Richardson.

With four events remaining in the Speed Skating competition in Sochi, the U.S. face a very real threat of leaving with zero medals.