Shani Joins World Cup Short Track

The US World Cup short track speed skating team roster was decided at the American Cup I competition in Marquette, Michigan, on September 30, 2006. These top athletes will represent their country at the World Cup I in China October 20-22, 2006.

Familiar competitors, like Olympians Kimberly Derrick (from Caledonia, Michigan) and long track champion Shani Davis (originally from Chicago, Illinois), are joined by a very capable group.

Jeff Simon, of Long Beach, California, earned 1565 points and finished second behind Davis who topped the charts with 3250 points. Simon says he owes his seat on the team to the training he’s receiving at the United States Olympic Education Center. “I’ve seen a dramatic change in myself,” he says. “I’m stronger and smarter.” Hopefully that new-found confidence will carry over onto the international competition scene. We’ll be watching this athlete closely and rooting for him during his first year on the world circuit.

Third place was Travis Jayner of Midland, Michigan, with 1500 points. Olympian Anthony Lobello, originally from Tallahassee, Florida, gained 1466 points to finish fourth. (By the way, Lobello was named one of Cosmo’s 50 hottest bachelors.)

Ryan Bedford, of Midland, Michigan, and Jordan Malone, of Denton, Texas, finished fifth and sixth, earning 957 and 760 respectively. This is Bedford’s first tour on the World Cup team. Malone debuted last year and finished the year ranking 62 overall.

On the women’s side, Tina Koenig hales from North Ridgeville, Ohio, and came in second, with 1866 points in the American Cup I, behind Derrick. Derrick, who earned 3200 points to win the overall standings, says that knowing the strength of the other girls is an advantage, alongside her extensive experience on the World Cup circuit.

Katherine Reutter, of Champaign, Illinois, finished third with 1445 points – just ahead of Cherise Wilkins from Syracuse, NY who finished fourth with 1420 points. Reutter reported feeling very nervous since this was her first chance to make the senior team.

A fifth place finish did not qualify Wilmette, Illinois’ Mary Grace for a spot on the team. She earned 981 points, but didn’t meet the age requirement in time. Rounding out sixth and seventh place, and claiming the last two spots on the US World Cup team, are Lana Gehring of Glennview, Illinois, with 756 points, and Alyson Dudek of Hales Corner, Wisconsin, with 620 points.

All of these athletes – new and veteran alike – have something to prove. While only the top skaters hold recognizable accolades internationally, the team should put up a good fight for the World Cup.

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