Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1533631
All Gas , No Brakes The ISU World Cup Speedskating's triumphant return to Pettit National Ice Center J ust last month the Pettit National Ice Center success- fully wrapped up the first ISU World Cup Speedskating event at the facility in 20 years. By all measures, the event was a complete success with very few delays or issues related to the execu- tion of the event. The event had three full days of sold-out seating in the venue, over 230 of the best athletes from the entire globe competing, and a polished field of play that delivered in record breaking fashion. The event was run in single distance Olympic format on a 400-meter indoor Olympic Oval. This event was a longtime dream of many from our local speedskating com- munity, PNIC Board of Directors, and staff. It came together with official con- firmation in late spring and less than a full year to plan and execute. Our veteran staff, US Speedskating staff, and longtime volunteers stood ready for this challenge. We were overwhelmed with the offering of time, talent, and expertise from the local community to help us deliver this event to the ISU. Over 100 people volunteered their time not only for the three long days of the event, but also for planning and scheduling meetings prior to the event. Local Wisconsin & PNIC Olympic leg- ends like Bonnie Blair Cruikshank, Eric Heiden, Dan Jansen, Shani Davis, Casey FitzRandolph, and Brian Hansen in atten- dance showed us all how important these races are to the speedskating community in the United States. They awarded the athletes with a cheesehead gift and medals for the podium winners. Current World Speedskating Champion Jordan Stolz from Kewaskum, Wisconsin was eager to compete against the world on his home track. Legendary races took place, all PNIC track records were broken (minus the two distance events not skated), and memories were made that will last a lifetime. Team USA posted an impressive 10 A-group medals with Jordan Stolz lead- Wisconsin native Jordan Stolz (middle) broke track records in the Men's 500m, 1000m, and 1500m at Pettit National Ice Center. PHOTOS: NOEL STAVE ( RIGHT PAGE PHOTOS ) , STEVEN PENLAND ( LEFT PAGE PHOTO ) 44 / MARCH.APRIL.2025 USICERINKS.COM by PAUL GOLOMSKI, CIRM