2006 ISU All-Around Speed Skating Championships Began

The 2006 ISU All-Around Speed Skating Championships began March 18 in Calgary, Canada. The Olympic Oval buzzed with excitement today as hometown sweetheart prepared to headline the competition. Champion Cindy Klassen, and other athletes from around the world, jogged around the track to warm up the first morning of the competition.

After the "Forerunner," a prelude race to the events, twelve pairs of men and women skated the 500 meter. Later, the 3000m and 5000m was raced. The scores from all the distances raced this weekend combine to name the overall men's and ladies' champions. Personal best times and, possibly, a world record, were expected to be posted as ice technicians tailored the rink surface, making it exceptionally fast.

The anticipation of new records being set combined with unique personalities of all the athletes to create a great competitive atmosphere. Canadian dream team ladies Klassen and Christine Nesbit heated up the ice together in the last draw of the 500. Two men made their senior level debuts after capturing junior titles, and Americans Chad Hedrick and Shani Davis competed side by side in their draw for the 5000 meter. These men have put their Torino tiff behind them and focus on become the All-Around Champion. Read complete coverage of the events and a closer look at the athletes.