Seven Canadians, including 5 men and 2 women, were among 54 skaters from 10 nations who took part in the 1st Masters International American Open held during January 30-31, 2010 in the Utah Olympic Oval in Salt Lake City. The olympic-style long track event offered a choice of short all-round (500m, 1000m, 1500m, 3000m) and sprint (2x500m, 2x1000m) competitions.
This venue, a legacy of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, is arguably one of the 2 fastest ovals in the world resulting in 29 new IMSSC records and over 60 personal best times being set at this event. Brett Arnason (Winnipeg) was temporarily the holder of the Men's (60) 1000m record with a time of 1:25.01 only to see it broken again minutes later by American John Diemont with a time of 1:22.34. Remarkably, John lowered the record again the following day to 1:21.96.
The most inspirational performances of the weekend were delivered by Randy Plett (also of Winnipeg) who, only 8 months after serious injury in a cycling race, set numerous personal bests and high overall placements in the men's short all-round competition - 6th in 500m (40.96), 3rd in 1000m (1:19.34 - PR), 3rd in 1500m (2:02.82) and 6th in 3000m (4:23.39 - PR).
Other Canadian competitors included Ann Hanham (Burlington), Julie Houle (Saint John - PR's in 500m and 1000m), Daren Lind (Edmonton), Don Bumstead (Calgary) and Ross Hanham (Burlington).
Complete results can be seen here.
Many thanks to event organizers Andrew Love and Brian Boudreau as well as all of the many officials and volunteers for the event which included with a track-side lunch and awards ceremony which recognized all IMSSC records and personal bests.
Many thanks also to Eric and Kimberly Kraan who graciously hosted a post-event party and buffet at their beautiful home in the neighbouring mountain foothills.
Watch for the 2nd edition of this event which is hoped to be held 1 week before the Masters International Speed Skating Games planned for Calgary's Olympic Oval in 2011.
The most inspirational performances of the weekend were delivered by Randy Plett (also of Winnipeg) who, only 8 months after serious injury in a cycling race, set numerous personal bests and high overall placements in the men's short all-round competition - 6th in 500m (40.96), 3rd in 1000m (1:19.34 - PR), 3rd in 1500m (2:02.82) and 6th in 3000m (4:23.39 - PR).
Other Canadian competitors included Ann Hanham (Burlington), Julie Houle (Saint John - PR's in 500m and 1000m), Daren Lind (Edmonton), Don Bumstead (Calgary) and Ross Hanham (Burlington).Complete results can be seen here.
Many thanks to event organizers Andrew Love and Brian Boudreau as well as all of the many officials and volunteers for the event which included with a track-side lunch and awards ceremony which recognized all IMSSC records and personal bests.Many thanks also to Eric and Kimberly Kraan who graciously hosted a post-event party and buffet at their beautiful home in the neighbouring mountain foothills.
Watch for the 2nd edition of this event which is hoped to be held 1 week before the Masters International Speed Skating Games planned for Calgary's Olympic Oval in 2011.
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