World Championship Blog

2 USA SKATERS HOLD OFFICIAL "New World Records"

2007-08-26T09:56:00.000-07:00

######################## NEW WORLD RECORDS ###################

I do not know how I ended up with the sheet of paper that I have... and it is missing "Official Signatures", but this was not the only document that was handed out to the Delegates (Team Managers) and the Press that did not have official signatures. It is in Spanish and it says that it is " Nuevos Records Mundiales Absolutos". Basically translated to English, "New Records Championships Absolute". So with that, here is what I have:

300-m Nicoletta Falcone Italia 26.071 Track

15,000m Alexandra Vivas Colombia 24:29.10 Track

200-m Bernice Moreno Colombia 18.13 Road

500-m Brittany Bowe USA 42.14 Road

10,000-m Hyo Sook Woo Korea 14:58.00 Road

10,000-m Jan Guyader France 13:40.12 Road

20,000-m Briggyte Mendez Colombia 32:53.54 Road

20,000-m Joey Mantia USA 28:50.48 Road

Once again, congratulations to all of the New World Record Holders!!!!!!!

Joey and Britt.... you guys kicked butt!!!!!!!!

LIGHTS GO OUT-HOLD UP THE PRESS

2007-08-25T06:50:00.000-07:00

I was going to write about the great 5ooo-meter relay events that took place on the road last night, BUT..... when we got home it was raining pretty hard.

We ate dinner and I was just ready to sit down with the computer and the lights went out. At first it was fun with all of us sitting in the dark. We had to use my computer to "light" our way around the house to find candles and a lighter. Once that was done we sat at the kitchen table and talked about skating (of course). We had to get the Spanish-English dictionary out MANY times and when there was a misunderstanding we would laugh until our cheeks hurt and had to wipe the tears away.

But then it got old being in the dark. I had things to do and I was really tired of the lights being out. My Colombian family told me that this happens often and they just "go to bed"!

Go to bed??? Who had time??? But that's basically what we had to do. Which of course meant NO internet and no story.

It is raining right now... according to the radio the Jr Ladies are skating. The raido announcer is going nuts... but they always do... I hear Colombia, Colombia, Korea.... but tese are not placements... only leaders.... wow, I wish you could hear him. You would think we are at an Indy 500 race...... I have been told that he is just announcing the countries and numbers. But they have been racing for 50 minutes. But let's remember that it is raining where they are at. That should add at least 20-40 minutes to the typical marathon race.

I promise to put up "my account" of last nights relays... but it won't be until later.

THEY HAVE JUST ANNOUNCED... that Mariah Richardson and Alex Harris have passed the press area.... I do not know what that means... but that's great that Mariah is up with Alex. She has skated many marathons and done so in the rain. We will be back later, Linda and Ananda

5000M ROAD RELAY FINALS - UPDATED 8/26

2007-08-24T14:16:00.000-07:00

**********************************UPDATE*************************************

--------------------------------------THE RELAY FINAL RESULTS-----------------------------------

I have typed these results twice over the last two days. But due to the horrendous rain showers that we have experienced here in Cali, Colombia, it has caused power outages and internet connection failures both times. Frustrated, I slammed my computer closed until this morning. Here are the results from the relay final events:

JUNIOR LADIES 5K RELAY FINAL:

1st - Colombia
2nd - Italy
3rd - Korea
4th - Argentina
5th - Germany
6th - China Taipei

JUNIOR MENS 5K RELAY FINAL:

1st - Italy
2nd - Colombia
3rd - Korea
4th - USA - Kevin Quandt, Keith Carroll, Colin Thomas
5th - Belgium
6th - China Taipei

I wonder if these skaters ever thought..."In less than 30 minutes, we will all be World Champions in the Senior 5K Road Relay" ???

From left to right: Sara Sayasane, Heather Richardson, Brittany Bowe, Michael Cheek, Joey Mantia and Joshua Wood - TEAM USA

SENIOR LADIES 5K RELAY FINAL:

1st - USA - Brittany Bowe, Heather Richardson, Sara Sayasane
2nd - Colombia
3rd - Argentina
4th - Korea
5th - China Taipei
6th - Chile

SENIOR MENS 5K RELAY FINAL:

1st USA - Michael Cheek, Joey Mantia, Joshua Wood
2nd - Italy
3rd - France
4th - New Zealand
5th - Colombia
6th - China Taipei

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE SKATERS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD!!!

There were only 4 races this morning. I missed the Jr Ladies skate and the Jr Men but I do have their results, along with the Senior Men... the Senior Ladies communication sheet was not available.

JUNIOR LADIES RELAY TEAMS WHO MADE TONIGHTS FINAL:

COLOMBIA
ARGENTINA
KOREA
CHINA TAIPEI
GERMANY
ITALY

JUNIOR MEN RELAY TEAMS WHO MADE TONIGHTS FINAL:

CHINA TAIPEI
USA
KOREA
COLOMBIA
ITALY
BELGIUM

SENIOR LADIES RELAY TEAMS WHO MADE TONIGHTS FINAL:

COLOMBIA
USA - Brittany Bowe, Sara Sayasane, Heather Richardson
CHINA TAIPEI
(I will have the other 3 teams later tonight)

SENIOR MEN RELAY TEAMS WHO MADE TONIGHTS FINAL:

COLOMBIA
ITALY
CHINA TAIPEI
USA- Joey Mantia, Michael Cheek, Josh Wood
FRANCE
NEW ZEALAND

I will not be taking my computer to the track. I would like to video all of the finals and take pictures during the warm-ups. I will post final results on my blog, however I know that Inline Planet will have all of the information you will be looking for on their front page tonight.

All of these races will be close tonight and their will be some upsets..... the family that I am staying with and myself have written down our picks PRIOR to us going to the Championships tonight. It will be interesting to see how close any of us are. There is ice cream riding on the outcome!! :) Hope you all will be able to watch on the live feed or will join us on our front page.

Don't forget, tomorrow morning the Marathon will start at 8am with the Junior Ladies. I understand that the course that we are driving to (outside the city a bit... not sure how far They say 20 minutes, but in Colombian time that might be 45!! I do love the slower pace!), is mostly flat, with no hills and simulates the last two years of marathons with it being a loop that is equal to about 12 laps. This is only through "Spanglish" so do not hold me to this!

Linda
p.s. more photos have been downloaded to my FLICKR site but have not yet been named.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58909696@N00/sets/

500 METER DOUBLE GOLD FOR USA

2007-08-23T18:46:00.000-07:00

Wow.. 500 meters is fast.

Junior Man, Chad Horne fell within the first 100 meters but could not get back up. Medics are checking him out right now.

Brittany Bowe comes from 4th place to out hawk 2 Colombians at the line. It was the cleanest race that I have ever seen out of these ladies and we had to wait to get the info!! GOLD FOR BRITTANY BOW

And our final GOLD is for MR-ON-FIRE, SO-HOT YOU-CAN'T-TOUCH-THIS... MANTIA (LOL)

What a race... pretty much led it from the beginning and stood up 15 feet from the line AGAIN, with his hands in the air.... more to come! Linda

MANTIA STRIKES AGAIN -GOLD -20K ELIM

2007-08-23T17:58:00.000-07:00

What can I say... a perfectly orchestrated "team race". Joey Mantia and Josh Wood skated great together. I don't know who's race it was to win, but Mantia led the majority of the 50 laps at 400 meters each. It appeared to me that Josh, who sat in behind Joey, was there blocking for Joey and keeping the other teams behind them. I know Joey... and he LOVES to lead.

When Joey stepped out to move up, Josh was on his backside like glue... at one point I thought that Joey might be skating for Josh... until Wood took a couple of "bumps and grinds" and then gave them "back", resulting in 2 warnings throughout the 44 laps that Josh remained. The first warning came on lap 48. Wood who was the last elimination, led Joey out hard with 3 to go and it panicked the rest of the pack causing them to jump on. Wood got passed right on the line, which is exactly where it counts!

Joey was incredible the last two laps. Again it was obvious to me that Joey was rested (I still don't know how he does it when he leads so much) and he was pumped. He KNEW that it was his. He stood up at least 25-30 feet before the finish line with his hands in the air. What a super race to watch and video tape!! It was wonderful to see Joey include Josh in his victory lap.

The 500's are coming up soon. Stay tuned.

1st USA Joey Mantia - 28 minutes 50.48 seconds
2nd COL Nelson Garzon
3rd ITA Fabio Francolini

SR LADIES 20K-ANOTHER TOUGH BREAK

2007-08-23T16:44:00.002-07:00

Heather Richardson and Emily Scott started the race off together. It was evident that Emily was going to have to do all of the work. Heather was in there once or twice and did the very best that she could for Emily, but it wouldn't be enough. Heather was eliminated with 40 laps to go.

As tiny as Emily is, she is a fighter and that was what she was doing most of the next 6 laps that she survived. Her elimination would happen right at the line as she was in the middle and 4 girls went around here on either side. She appeared safe and I think she was as surprised as we were.

This race has been brutal... especially for the girls... several girls have fallen and been carried off or had to be taken to the medical tent. It is not because the girls can't skate, it's not because the road course is bad... it's because there is a lot of contact going on. And as much as the referee's have tried to stop it (and they have... they DQ someone and then that skater is reinstated per the higher ups)... there is not much you can do.

Nicole Begg from New Zealand fell right after the elimination line and got back up and skated her heart out. But it just wasn't quite long enough time for her to catch the pack.

With 13 laps to go Korea has just been eliminated but it appeared that Chile grabbed her first. There are 2 Colombians left, 2 girls from Chile... scratch that... 1 girl from Chile, Australia, France, 2 girls from Argentina and a couple of others with 11 to go. Another warning goes to Chile... they have had more warnings than I can count throughout the whole competition!!! Results will follow later..

20k ELIM TOUGH RACE FOR JUNIORS

2007-08-23T16:11:00.000-07:00

In the Junior division we had the following skaters compete:

JUNIOR LADIES

Briana Kramer
Melanie Brandley

In this race it was just a tough race.... not that they all aren't. But it was fast and it appears that you really need a partner to fend off all of the other teams. Melanie skated a good race for her first individual race. She was there a couple of times with Bri but the pace proved too brutal. By lap 21 to go (out of a 50 lap race) she was off the back and eventually eliminated. Bri did a great job but I thought she skated a little too much on the outside which obviously is further around. Again.... it is so much easier to SIT here and write what I see versus being out there in it and doing it. Eventually Bri was eliminated.

With 9 laps to go it was a surprise that Korea was eliminated. The next lap the girl from Chile fell with France across the line and Chile fell into an embankment all twisted up. I seriously was shocked that she was able to get up and skate off.

With 3 laps to go France had caught back up to the pack (that is 400-meters that she skated by herself) and within inches was eliminated. The crowd was great and really clapped for her.

The last lap would leave Italy, Germany and Korea finishing top 3.

1st - #30 Germany
2nd - #45 Italy
3rd - #58 Korea
4th #51
5th #18 - Colombia

The numbers that were turned in versus what they called as official... do not match up. I apologize if any of the information is incorrect.

JUNIOR MEN

It would be Kimani Griffin's first race. And veteran Hank Galbraith. I was pleasantly surprised at Kimani's staying power. Hank and Kmani actually were a very strong team and had they skated very well together. There was a point where Chile grabbed Hank, Hank retaliated and then Chile pushed back all at the line. Hank was not eliminated, but disqualified. It's very unfortunate... that they did not see that Chile caused it and he reacted.

It was now all up to Kimani... .... but something else would happen... Hank being a "teammate" gave Kimani a "relay tag". I do not know if Kimai knew it or not but he shot to the front and they immediately DQ'd him. He actually looked good - good enough to medal at that point. But who knows....

Great job to these skaters...

500-METER FINAL WILL SK8 2NITE

2007-08-23T11:18:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a quick lunch. There is a 4 hour break in between. I must admit that this has been the best World Championships for being on time and making sure the athletes get plenty of rest after competition at night, coming in later in the morning and of course during lunch in between,

This is the first day that I have taken any time in between to eat.... but yesterday...... my wonderful Colombian Radio friends were teaching me how to SALSA. Can you imagine, six stories up out on the balcony I am dancing with all of these guys and some of the women who clean up and their children and even a grandmother... it took all of them to help me out. It was great fun. The Colombians know how to have a good time but are hard workers too. When it's business time and they are announcing, we better not be laughing....but we do. They have had to stop once or twice!

Too bad the photos that they took of us dancing did not come out!

I know... on with tonight's information:

JUNIOR LADIES 500-M FINAL:

#14 China Taipei
#62 Korea
#3 Argentina
#49 Italia

JUNIOR MEN 500-M FINAL:

#30 Colombia
#31 Colombia
#6 Australia
#85 USA - Chad Horne

SENIOR WOMEN 500-M FINAL

#26 Colombia
#27 Colombia
#48 Italia
#67 USA - Brittany Bowe

SENIOR MEN 500-M FINAL

#120 USA - Joey Mantia
#86 Italy
#13 Belgium
#88 Italy

We will also be watching the 20K Elim tonight. I do not know who will be representing USA so hang tight! Linda

ALL 500-M HEAT & 1/4-SEMI RESULTS

2007-08-23T09:25:00.001-07:00

All the heats have run. Here are the following results:

JR LADIES

Both USA skaters make their 1/4's. They have drawn the same quarter. This means that 4 skaters will be competing for 2 spots to go to the semi.

Mariah Richardson
Alex Harris

The girls JUST raced their quarter. It was Korea in first fron the gun, keeping it slow. Mariah sat behind her and Alex did all she could to catch up from the start. As you might know, Alex is more well known for her distance skating. But she would have to fight her teammate for the second spot. At one point Alex went around both Mariah and the Korean. Of course Korea counter attacked and moved back to the front and the Korean led through the last corner and to the line. But that left the two girls from USA wanting the lone spot left. The only time that Mariah APPEARED to put effort into the race was when she hawked Alex at the line. But it would not be enough for Mariah to move on.

Alexandra Harris will move onto the semi-final for the 500 meter later this afternoon.

JUNIOR MEN

Colin Thomas
Chad Horne

These two boys easily made their quarter-final.

Chad will go first in his quarter. He has a tough quarter. He is 4th off of the line and fighting just to catch them... he is now with the pack, he passes one... then the skater in the 2 spot.... and as they round the corner he drops back just a bit and now it's 3 of them fighting for 2 spots. He drops his head and cranks it. he passes the two in 1 and 2 for the win and moves onto the SEMI.

Colin Thomas has Italy, Colombia and Korea in his 1/4. He gets off of the line and they are all together. Colombia pops out in front followed by Korea and Italy. Colin is now in fourth and he knows this will not be easy. He battles all the way through the last turn, he moves up into 3rd and as they approach the line he knows... it will come down to the hawk.... it will be between Italy and him... long legs, long hawk.... We have to wait.............. so do you................. eventually it is announced, Colombia, Italy and USA. He just misses making the semi! Great job.

SENIOR LADIES

Brittany Bowe
Sara Sayasane

Both ladies would easily make their quarter-final.

Sara is on the line with Korea, Colombia and Argentina. The gun goes off. She is in 4th place and the Korean is leading with Colombia #2 and Argentina. Down the backside Sara kicks it in... and goes around Argentina, and starts to move up on Colombia... but she steps out and they all pass Korea. Colombia is easily leading and Argentina moves into the #2 spot, Sara's head drops and she drives her knees so hard. As they approach the line she looks up and throws her hawk as does the girl from Argentina. We have to wait... It is Sara who gets to move on!!!!

Britt has Chile, Nicole Begg from New Zealand and Argentina in her 1/4. From the gun it is Britt and Chile with Nicole chasing and Argentina even further back. Eventually Nicole Begg, another known distance skater will close the gap some... but not enough to catch Britt and Chile who will move onto the semi.

SENIOR MEN

Joey Mantia
Josh Wood

Mantia was first off of the line and France went with him. By the first major turn, Mantia and France were almost 75 meters ahead and continued that lead plus some for an easy move onto the quarter-final.

For Josh Wood, his first race of this Championships, he is another skater known as a distance skater, it would not be so easy. He would have the two Italian sprinters and a Korean sprinter.

If we go back a few days ago, you will remember that Sebatian Cano (the #2 sprinter for Team USA) broke his boot in half and I assume he was unable to rectify his equipment problem. That put Jonathan into the 200 and Josh Wood into the 500.

Josh got off of the line in second and remained there for about 150 meters. It was then that the second Italian would go by and now it was 2 Italians leading, Josh and then the Korean. I knew that would not last long. The Korean moved up quickly and passed Josh and one of the Italians into the 2 spot. The 4 of them battled until the line where it would be Italy, Korea, Italy and Josh.

Joey Mantia just qualified for his 500-meter semi.

Great job skaters. Linda

SR MEN 200-M FINAL

2007-08-22T18:40:00.000-07:00

Again skaters are skating a bit slower tonight than the did today.... wait........the Germany skater posts a 16.69, Mathias Scwierrz. But here comes COLOMBIA.......................... Fuentes does not do it... he clocks a 16.89

They have had trouble with the timing equipment AGAIN. Holland skated a great time (16.70) and they now say he must run again... WHY??? There was a time... it started when he did and finished when he did....

Joey is up... he appears to have had a little trouble on the backside.... an extra side step, and it looks like an extra hop... great power down the last straight... but it wasn't fast enough for a placement, he's out of the medal count... 16.71. We are having to wait 15 minutes so that Ronald from Holland can re-skate.... They want to give him 15 minutes rest so he is rolling around all by himself. Even the Colombians who have favored their home team (naturally) have clapped for him as he rolls by. Stay tuned for official results...

OMG....................... Duggento posted a time of 16.37..... BUT so did Wouter from Belgium (he also skates indoor with Milpitas, CA and is the other half of Sara Sayasane)..................... we are waiting for the official news......,.....,................. IT'S OFFICIAL WOUTER DID IT.... HE BEAT DUGGENTO...

This just in... upon learning that he did not win the 200-meter road race time trial, Gregory Duggento threw his time trial helmet to the ground and the cover for the eyes to help make it aerodynamic, broke off or came off. Sources tell me he was angry and yelling.

I can only imagine what it's like to be the fastest man on inlines for several years in a row and now to loose both of those titles this year. But he needs to remember it came down to 7/1000's of a second. That is incredible and he has much to give back to this sport. I know that many skaters look up to him. I am sure it was just in the heat of the moment.... still congratulations to Wouter Hebbrecht of Belgium and to all of the skaters.

1. BEL - Wouter Hebbrecht- 16.366
2. ITA - Gregory Duggento - 16.373
3. VEN- Juan Jose Jardines - 16.59

4-Tie - GER - Mathia Scwierrz - 16.69 (they did not break this tie that I am aware of)
4-Tie - SPAIN- Fernando Mejia - 16.69
6- USA - Joey Mantia - 16.71
7-HOLLAND - Ronald Mulder - ran this twice- 1st time 16.70 2nd time 16.73
8-ITA - Simone Bellia - 16.84
9-COL-Camilo Fuentes-16.89
10-CHILE-Ricardo Berdugo-17.05
11-KOR-Jun-Hee Lee-17.20
12-SPAIN-Joseba Fernandez-17.26

To all of the skaters who skated this evening and who have skated in this championship. I cannot say it enough times, you are all so close.... when they have to break out the "1000th meter-reader" you know that you are only dealing with the BEST IN THE WORLD!

What an incredible thing to know, feel and be a part of. If you went back to your hotel with a medal tonight, congratulations. If you didn't go back to your hotel with a medal .... congratulations.

There are so many skaters around the world that would have loved to have had the exact same opportunity as you have had and would do anything to be in your skates. Please realize just how awesome you all are!!!

You put on an extraordinary show tonight for the thousands of people who were there and it was an honor to be a part of that crowd and watch you skate!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you... and let's "bring it on" again tomorrow.

SR LADIES 200-M FINAL EVENT & Jr Men

2007-08-22T18:08:00.000-07:00

Sara is up and she was sitting in 8th place. Very nice start for Sara... she is strong around the backside, but skates a tad bit slower than her original time. She posts a 19.07 in front of the Chilian of 19.12 and the Chinese Taipei girl of 19.10.

Brittany Bowe just skated and posted a time of 18.48 which puts her in first with 5 more skaters to go. She is one of only a couple of skaters that has posted a faster time than this AM. The skater from Chile posts the same time as Brittany... 18.48......... We still have a skater from Italy and 2 from Colombia.............. Brittany has posted a faster time... than Estefania from Chile.

Brittany has a MEDAL for sure... her comes Colombia, Jennifer Caicedo.... ...... Jennifer does it just a lttle bit faster... 18.27. It has been so close tonight. Berenice Moreno has won this before, can she take it from her teammate?????????????????? No, but skates good enough for the 2nd! Her time is 18.44

************************ OFFICIAL RESULTS *******************************

JUNIOR MEN

1st AUS - Daniel Greig - 17.05
2nd COL - Pedro Causil - 17.06
3rd KOR - Bong Ju Choi - 17.3752

4th FRA - Gwendal Lepivert - 17.3799
5th ITA - Leonardo Bonato - 17.38
6th COL - Carlos Canon - 17.39
7th USA - Chad Horne - 17.48
8th ITA - Stefano Spreafico - 17.56
9th VEN - Gerardo Galvis - 17.58
10th VEN - Enrique Florez - 17.62
11th ARG - Nicolas Saladino - 17.75
12th CT - Mao-Chieh Kao - 17.80

SENIOR LADIES

1st COL - Jennifer Caicedo - 18.27
2nd COL - Berenice Moreno - 18.44
3rd USA - Brittany Bowe - 18.4763

4th CHILE - Estefania Nunez - 18.4785
5th ITA - Erika Zanetti - 18.55
6th ITA 18.67
7th KOR 18.93

I will come back Senior Men are up...

JR MEN 200-M FINAL EVENT

2007-08-22T17:41:00.001-07:00

For some reason Chad is skating second when the official paperwork says he was to skate 4th. But he left that line with everything he had and posted a better time than this morning. He is currently in first after three skaters and 9 to go with a time of: 17.48.

Venezuela almost went down trying to hawk.... but now here comes COLOMBIA....... If nothing else, these skaters should win by all of the positive energy in this venue!!! Carlos has left the line he is going fast......... ohhhh no.... another uproar..... the clock did not start.... he must skate again. Colombia is ticked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! f course they don't realize that they happened to Joey Mantia last year and other skaters over the year.

Here come Venezuela ... long, powerful legs and strokes... but NOT powerful enough to beat Chad's time! Venezuela drops into 3rd with a 17.62.

Alright... Italy... all of their sprinters are trained by Duggento... they look like him, they skate like him... can they be a World Champion like he was???? Or will it be a medal but not a gold? Stefano drops in behind Chad.... Chad is still in first. Stefano posted a time of 17.56

His teammate fro Italy is running right now... WOW... Leonard Bonato is now in first with a time of 17.38, and Chad is in 2nd with 17.48. There are still 4 skaters that could change all of this. Two are from Colombia, one from Korea and your leader from Australia.

Korea ties with Italy.... it's broken and Horne moves to fourth. Australia skates... and beats the Colombian by 1/100th of a second. The Colombian is HOT.... he appears to be saying that someone cheated (I think... I have asked one of my Colombian Radio Friends and they say Yes he appears to be angry because he got second).... BUT don't forget we have one more Colombian to come.... the timer did not start for him and they say that they will run him "later". What... TOMORROW??????????????????????? Come on... he should have to run at the end of the event just like as if he were an American or New Zealander or the Chinese Taipei. We are still not sure what is up!!

I will give you official results as soon as they are posted. I am SO lost. Nothing new. L

200-M FINALS JUNIOR LADIES

2007-08-22T17:16:00.000-07:00

Most of the girls have skated slower than their original time today. I am surprised as it is their second time skating their race on this track. You can figure out what you did wrong and make that correction and typically when the weather cools down the road and track are faster.

Mariah just broke into the 18's but we have more to come... right now she is in first with 6 more girls to go.

China Taipei just passed her by 4/100ths of a second...... Next up is Ho-Chen Yang from CT also... her time was faster than this mornings but not fast enough to move in front of Mariah. She is still in 2nd. Next up is Italy who scored a 18.95. She finishes .... on man..... 1/100th of a second faster than Richardson who now is in third with 3 girls to go.

So-Yeong Shin from Korea is flying... she too finishes under Mariah and into 1st.... 18.81. Mariah is now out of the medal count but should e proud of her great improvement!!!

COLOMBIA............... Rocks the house!!!!!!!!!!! She brings it down!!!!!!!!!!!!!! With one girl to go, will her 18.74 hold first????????????????????????? Here we go with Victoria Rodriguez frm Argentina.... Oh no... they tied they are both 18.74.... the crowd is chanting COLOMBIA.. COLOMBIA.... COLOMBIA....COLOMBIA... It's almost deafening!!!!!!!!!! No answer yet........

*************************** OFFICIAL***********************************

1st - COL - Sara Vallejo - 18.7354
2nd - ARG - Victoria Rodriguez - 18.7383
3rd - KOR - So-Yeong Shin -18.81
4th-CT - I-Pei Lu - 18.87
5th - ITA - Erika Santoro - 18.95
6th - USA - Mariah Richardson - 18.91
7th - CT - Ho-Chen Yang - 19.04
8th - COL - Cadavid, Vanessa- 19.04
9th-

The guys are starting... I will finish all 12 later... sorry... L

SR MEN 10K POINTS

2007-08-22T16:14:00.000-07:00

At the start line with the Senior Men

Again I apologize for all of the spelling errors and promise to go back later tonight and correct my errors. It is maddening to me when there are misspelled words!!!

It is official for the Senior Ladies:

1st # 59 - Korea - 17 points
2nd # 58 - Korea -14 points
3rd # 22 - China Taipei - 7 points

There are a ship load of guys. This one is going to be tough on me... and on them.

They are off FASTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT. Shoot............

Chile and CT get the first of the 24 laps of points, one skater goes down and rolls... skaters scatter - say that fast 10 times.

Chile gets 2 points and #46 one point. Canada is getting lapped. Chile slows down and takes the 2 points and here comes France and Italy haulin. France gets the 2nd.

Now Italy and France are out... Italy 1st and France 2nd.. they are a good 50 meters ahead of the pack and it doesn't look like they are loosing ground. Mantia passes into the 3rd now and is looking for Cheek. Mantia is now brining the pack up to France and Italy. But it is France and Italy grabbing point and now Italy and France. Joey is in 3rd and CHEEK in 4th.

France is going out... WOW Joey comes from nowhere to grab the points... Joey has Colombia pass him one and two.

Check out Spain on the cement in yellow top and blue bottoms. Joey is in 7th and moving up.

.. but they slow down and now the whole pack is together... the New Zealand guys are one and two... they pass Colombia, it is NZ and Spain... Cheek did a great job of leading Joey out a couple of times but is off the pack.... Joey's dad is yelling Jooooeeeeyyy. COL 1st and Joey 2nd. Now Joey is leading.. Wow now the black and orange uniform (that I do not recognize) is gone he takes first and Joey 2nd. #117 first and Joey 2nd... there are 11 laps left..... JOEY IS HAMMERING..... he is gonna catch that guy... it looks like Joey pulls off... I don't know what happened.... I missed it..... Holland and Korea go one and 2................ this race is KILLER>>>>>>>>>>> the crowd is shaking the bleachers and screaming, with 9 laps to go Korea and Holland across the line.... there goes both Colombians. Korea 1, Venezuela 2 and Venezuela 3rd........ Argentina is 75 meters out front ... I don't believe it... maybe I am seeing things... Joey is back in the race and gets 2nd... how could I miss it... it must have been Cheek that rolled off... France and Argentina 1 and 2... NOW FRANCE is out front .................. way out front France and NZ 1 and 2... four laps to go ... Colombia goes around France and New Zealand is out front... COL is trying to catch but not quite... NZ 1st and COL second... I wish you were HERE>>>COLOMBIA IS GOING WILD..... NZ still leads but can he hold it..... Colombia hammers with 2 to go at the line, Australia is in third.. Colombia is SO close...

NZ and COL 1 and 2. I can see Colombia is GOING TO WIN THIS RACE AT THE END.... WAIT OH NO........................ several skaters have found their second wind... they are moving... Colombia drops back... the crowd goes silent... real silent... they come across the line:

1. Italy
2. Korea
3. CT
4. COL
5 AUS
6. Spain......

This is NOT how they finish officially, just how they cross the line... It looks like France is taking his victory lap...

My words can not explain the adrenaline that "I" have... never mind the crowd or the athletes. Bring Lance Armstrong on... let's see if he can keep up with these boys!! ;)

*****************************OK OFFICIAL RESULTS********************************

1st - #53 - France- Guyader Yann (I could not understand the number of points)
2nd - 95 - NZ - Scott Alridge - 9 pts
3rd - #40 - COL - Garzon Nelson - 8 pts

SR LADIES 10K POINTS-Updated

2007-08-22T15:44:00.001-07:00

Emily Scott on the front line of the Senior Ladies 10K points

Well I was wrong.... like always..... I cannot think, walk and chew gum at the same time! Heck I can't walk and chew gum... Wait....... Ok official results for Jr Men:

1st Belgium
2nd Italy
3rd Holland (forgot about him)

Great job to all that skated. It was an exciting and incredible race.

Senior Ladies going into the first turn.

Ok ladies here we go...

Looks like Emily Scott on the front line and they are lining Heather Richardson up on line 3.

Out front right away Germany and USA-Emily.... there are about 6-8 girls out front, here comes the pack and they catch them....Holland and Nicole Begg-New Zealand go one and two to grab the first of the points.

Holland and Begg are still leading but they have the whole pack behind them... Begg takes the 1st and Holland the 2nd.... Scott is in 4th . These ladies are cookin through the S turn and through the backside. 4 skaters stand out... but Italy takes the 1st and the other skater I do not recognize the uniform. Colombia and Korea race for the line and "chicken hawk", both with their hands on their back. Crazy.... COL , Chile and Korea hawk but Colombia gets it. Wow the stands are going crazy. COL again gets the 1st with Chile cheating and moving over on France for the second.

Emily goes out on her own..... She gets first and Begg gets 2nd with 17 laps to go at the line. The pack has caught them... geez why do all that work to get so far out and then just coast??? I know I know... It's easier to watch!! Chile grabs 1st and Begg 2nd with 15 laps to go at the line.

Korea powers around the outside on the backside of the last corner and pulls one, two with CT in tow. Now COL jumps on the pack...The four girls are together and about 10 meters ahead... Italy and Korea grab the points. Now the pack is back together... Argentina, Korea and COL come to the line.. COL gives it up and lets the girls have it... COL, Italy and Begg... Italy steps over in front of Begg and cuts her off... for the points..... only 11 to go at the line... these girls are skating faster than I can type... Korea 1 and 2... they are about to lap France.... Heather rolls off.

Italy, France and Chile... France does not see Chile and Italy and Chile get the points. Colombia is back up front and it feels like an earthquake. Korea and Colombia go one and two. CT and Korea go 1-2-3, but 3rd doesn't count..... wow................ they are major out front.

There are almost 3 sperarate packs now... Korea, Korea and CT....... They have to be 75 meters out front now.... Korea, CT and Korea when they come around there will be 5 to go... It is stretching out now, even more....CT, Korea and Korea. The rest of the group is playing "you lead.. no you lead...no you lead" Do they not realize that there are 3 girls out front?

Four laps to go, one Korean goes out by herself and the second Korean starts to chase. CT tries to go but just can't. The second Korean passes the first Korean (does it really matter??) They are over 100 meters away from the rest of the pack, they are now switching leads.....drop backs.... Korea, Korea and CT is about 10 meters back... OOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH major crash with the group... one girl from Holland slides down the Handicap ramp... Korea will go 1,2, Begg is in third through the last turn but NO... it's now Argentina who goes 3rd, Colombia 4th and Begg 5th at the line.

WOWWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW... Well we all know Korea, Korea and probably CT.. but I am not sure. Hang in there... man my fingers HURT

JR MEN 10K POINTS-Updated

2007-08-22T15:26:00.000-07:00

KRAMER WINS BRONZE MEDAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We have Hank Galbraith and Kevin Quandt skating this race. I have already missed the first 3 laps while trying to download pictures.... Holland and Italy just hawk for one and two... Italy got points the last lap.

Italy is way out front and Germany come from the outside to go one and two....
With 21 laps to go these guys are battling... Portugal and Germany hawk... it looks even and they have not announced who did what. Korea and USA-Quandt take 1 and 2...

Korea takes the point from COL and Venezuela, but USA is attacking on the back side. USA hawks Italy for 1 and 2... Holland and Germany hawk for 1 and 2... man....... if you can't hawk you need to take your skates off and GO HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With 15 laps to go Belgium and Italy go out. Here comes Gemany.....Germany goes out by himself but is quickly reeled in. Belgium again followed Germany. France has left the pack as he skates through the S turn... he is out by about 10-15 meters and he is looking back as he coasts across the line... he takes the 1 spot followed by Italy and Italy has to hawk for the points. Italy skates past France and then coasts. Dropping in behind France and lets him lead again through the S turn.. I wonder if France is content to lead Italy out and take the 1 point? Here comes Korea bringing up the pack and reels them back in.

Belgium and Portugal grab the points... wow I have no idea who is in what place overall. There are at least 25 guys in the main pack. Holland and then Belgium go one and two.... USA is near the back of the 25...Holland again ...ooops my bad... Hank hawks for 2nd but I don't know if he got it yet... no he does not. Holland is out front and gone. He looks strong. Both the Venezuelans go together and PASS Holland like he is standing stilll....................................................... Venezuelans cross one and two. Geez.... Hank gets a warning and gets bumped back one.... Powerhouse Italy passes on the outside at the back followed by Germany.....

They are still ALLLLLLL together!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Normally a couple of the guys will go out and drop the pack. They grab the points and skaters drop like flies. But not this time.

France takes 1st and I think Italy takes 2nd place points.. Quandt of the USA has rolled off of the track... Korea and Portugal one and 2. The other Korean goes with Chile in tow. 2 laps to go at the line Korea and Chile one and 2.

Belgium is out with 10 meter lead... Belgium takes the points and CT takes the second.... they lap Hank... Belgium, Korea, CT and Spain I believe. Hank gets disqualified... I don't know what he did... but they are calling his number several times. Do they not know that the race is OVER??!!

If I were to guess... Belgium 1st, Italy 2nd and depending on which Korean it was or German... Hang in there.. Linda

JR WOMEN 10K POINTS RACE-Updated

2007-08-22T14:50:00.000-07:00

Start of the Junior Ladies race. That is Briana Kramer on the front line.

Briana Kramer is on the front line and it appears as if Stephanie Sutter is on the outside of the 3rd line.

In this points race there will be points every lap. The girls are on their way back now. When the gun went off, Australia fell. I am not sure if it is because Australia fell that they brought the girls back or because they did not tell them when the points would be.

On lap one it is no surprise that Colombia and Korea hawk for 1st and 2nd. Kramer is in 4th and close enough now to make things happen for her. She has placed in this race before so this is "her" type of race. With two laps down Italy and Italy both get points with France being out hawked at the line for those points.

Lap 3 of 25.. it's Kramer and Colombia hawk for points and I can't tell who gets them.... there goes Chile followed by Italy. It's official Kramer got the 2 points and Colombia 1 point. There is a mass of girls coming through the last turn Colombia easily gets the points and Chile the 1 point.

France and Germany attack through the last turn and here comes Colombia.... I think Colombia and Germany get the points. With 18 to go both Koreans take 1 and 2. Kramer is back in about 8th. She's not "struggling" but she is not attacking either.

Chile and Venezuela take 1 and 2 on lap 17. All the girls are still together. WOW......Kramer shoots from the rear to take 2 points and Venezuela one point. WOW

Chile steps in front Colombia first and cuts her off and then steps in front of Italy to take the 2 point followed by Italy... CHILE needs to be warned!!!!!!!!! The Koreans pop out front again on the next lap to take 1 and 2 with 14 laps out of 25 remaining.

Now China has moved to the front with Kramer in a close 4th... oh man... both Germans come from the outside and attack... they go by Colombia and France for the points. Again they take 1 and 2. The Colombians and the Koreans don't like that... these girls are hammering and the sun is out and so bright. Colombia takes 1st with Korea 2nd but France was fighting for 3rd.

Italy and now France get 1st and second with Colombia hawking more behind her (stretching the back foot out) than in front. That hurts her and she receives no points. Kramer is GOING... she gets 2 points and France 1 point with 8 laps to go.

Colombia and Argentina takes 1 point. Both Koreans are out and battling each other, they go one and two. Both Colombians are chasing and the pack has caught back up. Here comes COL and Italy.. they have a good lead they need to keep it, but they don't here comes France with Korea and only 5 laps remaining. Korea and France go 1 and2... Kramer looks dead, but she's done that before... this is her race... she could medal if she rallies back.... It's Korea and Kramer... go Bri go............................. Korea and Bri are trying to go, but COL is bringing the pack up... 3 to go.............................. Kramer gets the points along with China, that's good because China does not have many points.

Oh no.... one Korean goes down. Italy and France go one and 2 with 2 laps to go..... Kramer is way off of the back... something must have happened... COL and France take the points. Last lap and Colombia is going crazy Korea is GONE.................... Germany passed Colombia like she was standing still, 2nd Korea, 3rd Spain and 4th Korea across the line.

Wow.. what a race.... I will have to wait for official points.............................. sorry for any spelling errors way ahead of time. All the girls were incredible.

Linda

SR MEN 200M RESULTS ELIM-UPDATED

2007-08-22T12:17:00.000-07:00

Here are the results for the Senior Men:

SENIOR MEN

1st Wouter Hebbrecht - BEL -16.455
2nd Gregory Duggento - ITA - 16.463
3rd Joey Mantia - USA - 16.51
4th Juan Jose - VEN - 16.61
5th Ronald Mulder - HOLLAND-16.67
6th Fernando Mejia - SPAIN - 16.85
7th Camilo Fuentes - COL - 16.945
8th Simone Bella - ITA - 16.951
9th Ricardo Verdugo - CHILE - 16.97
10th Matthias Schwierz - GER - 16.98
11th Joseba Fernandez - SPAIN - 17.07
12th Jun Hee Lee - KOR - 17.15

28th Jonathan Garcia - USA - 17.50

Very, very close. It will all come down to what the athlete has done during their 5 hour break and how they mentally prepare for their race. We will bring you the results as close to "live" as possible tonight. Skating starts back at 5pm go take a nap...for me!

Linda

p.s. About Jonathan's time... some might look at his placement and think "Wow... 28th place, that's not very good".... again.... He was ONLY one second off the first guy... count that out to yourself right now... "one-thousand-one" That's it... the difference between 1st and 28th. That shows the level of the competition..... And Jonathan did step in for our sprinter Sebastian Cano who had equipment failure. So that is nothing to sneeze at and I am proud of Jonathan for stepping out there and giving 100%!!

SR LADIES RESULTS & SR MEN Information FOR 200M ON ROAD

2007-08-22T09:21:00.001-07:00

The Senior ladies skated the 200-meter time trial this morning and I would like to give you some news that would send chills down your spine... but it just didn't happen out on the track this morning for the ladies or the men.

However... both of our Senior Ladies made it to the 200-meter time trial final that will be skated approximately 5 hours from now. That give the girls plenty of time to go back to the hotel, eat lunch and take a nap or rest if necessary.

Here are the results that I have:

SENIOR LADIES:

1st-COL-Bernice Moreno - 18.15
2nd-COL-Jennifer Caidedo-18.29
3rd-ITA-Erika Zanetti-18.42
4th-CHILE-Estefan Nunez-18.44
5th-ITA-Nicoletta Falcone-18.47
6th-USA-Brittany Bowe-18.59
7th-GER-Jana Gegner-18.87
8th-CT-Yi-Chin Pan-18.93
9th-USA-Sara Sayasane-19.00
10th-CHILE-Caro Santibanexz-19.03
11th-KOR-Ju Hee Im-19.088
12th-KOR-Jin Ju Lim-19.090

As of this moment the men's results are not available. A tough break for Sebastian Cano. During his fall in the 3000-meter Senior Mens 3 person relay 2 nights ago, when Sebastian fell he broke his boot in half. He was able to get a new boot (a different manufacture) but was unable to make it work and told the Senior Coach, Chris Tidwell that he felt that it would be in Team USA's best interest to give the race to someone else. That as much as he wanted to skate, it just didn't feel right. Coach Chris Tidwell chose Jonathan Garcia to skate the 200-meter race along with Joey Mantia.

When I spoke to Sebastian he said he was very disappointed that he was unable to make the boots work for him. That every time he tried to "turn" the skate felt like it just wanted to go straight. It sounds as if Sebastian might be out for the rest of the competition unless he can get something to work for him. He was skating the best that I have seen him skate at a World Championship since he moved up to the Senior Men's division.

On the other side of the fence. When speaking to Joey Mantia, I reminded him of Chad Hedrick's record of 6 medals at any one World Championship and asked him if he had planned on going after that record. He responded that there are 5 races left in which he could medal and that anything is possible. Then he flashed me that gorgeous, bright white smile that he is famous for.

Another record he might be going for is the Marathon. As far as I know... no one person has ever had a 'THREE-PEAT" in the Marathon. Yes, maybe countries have won 3 times in a row, but I can't remember any athlete that has done so. Mantia is on fire, feels good, and seems relaxed so if anyone could do it, it would be Mantia.

I wish all the athletes from every country, the very best when racing tonight. I hope to see some fast racing with lots of action and wish everyone a safe night.

As soon as the men's results are available, I will post them.

Linda

ROAD EVENTS START-200-meter results Jr Ladies & Mens

2007-08-22T08:37:00.000-07:00

This is what the skaters are missing.... people, enthusiasm and the coolness of the evening!

What a dull, gray, hot, muggy day to step out on the road course and you (the athlete) need to feel 110% to sprint the 200-meters. Running faster than you have ever run before. Trying to grab any one of the top 12 spots so that you may come back tonight when you are awake, it is much cooler, the stands are packed and the adrenaline is flowing through everyone, including you, the skater.

I don't even want to be here. And I love being at World's. But we kind of lost "our flow" by taking a day off. I tried to write articles yesterday but the internet server was down at the complex we are staying at. However I was able to go through some of the photos crop, name, reduce in size, download and then upload to FLICKR about 75 new photos. You can view them here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/woodsk8/sets/72157601469274778/

The results for Junior Ladies are as follows:

1-ARG-18.76-Victoria
2-COL-18.81-Sara
3-KOR-18.93-SoYeng
4-ITA-18.95-Erica
5-TPE-19.07
6-TPE-19.12
7-USA - Mariah Richardson-19.20
8-VEN-19.23-Corro
9-ARG-19.27-Onella
10-CHILE-19.34-Patricia
11-COL-19.34-Vanessa
12-ITA-19.35

19th - Alex Harris USA - 19.79

If I do not have first names it was that they were not provided. If the times are the same, it is because the thousandths was not available at the time of "print".
Junior Men's results:

(No names or numbers were available at this time)

1-AUS-17.20
2-COL-17.23
3-ITA-17.35
4-ITA-17.40
5-VEN-17.43
6-COL-17.49
7-VEN-17.54
8-CT-17.63
9-USA - Chad Horne - 17.68
10-FRA-17.72
11-SOUTH AFRICA!!! - 17.74
12-ARG-17.77

15th - USA - Keith Carroll - 17.83

As you can see the times are extremely close. Our skaters have done an outstanding job and I am very proud of them!!!

Congratulations skaters.... see you in the finals tonight.

Linda

JESSICA SMITH FLYS BACK TO USA....

2007-08-20T22:26:00.000-07:00

Jessica Smith during this year's World Championship in Colombia before her fall

Last night Jessica Smith was competing in the 1000-meter final when she took a very bad fall. It appeared that Jessica fell on her stomach very hard and did not get right back up. As we all know, when you hit your stomach, you usually knock the wind out of you. Well this was no ordinary fall.

Jessica broke her collarbone and needs to have surgery. It was the consensus of Team USA's official trainer, Jessica and her parents that she fly back to the US to see her own doctor and schedule the necessary surgery for a rod and pins.

Jess & Brittany warm-up together

Speaking from experience (Josh has broken one collarbone once and the other one twice), they usually do not do much for you but put you in a sling, tell you to keep it immobile and rest. So this tells me that Jess, who is already as tough as nails, really did a number on her collarbone.

Jessica will be leaving Colombia tomorrow morning with Executive Director, Richard Hawkins who is accompanying her to Texas. USA Roller Sports has purchased Jessica's mother an airline ticket from Michigan to Texas and back to escort Jessica from Texas to Michigan to have the necessary surgery. This assures that Jessica will be with "family" all the way home.

When I spoke to Richard Hawkins he stated that he would have done that for any athlete that had to return from a World Competition due to injury.

Kudos to Richard Hawkins and USA Roller Sports for taking care of Jessica and bringing her mom in.

Jess... take care of yourself. Please let us know how you are doing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Linda

IT'S OFFICIAL-GOLD FOR SR LADIES USA

2007-08-20T16:54:00.000-07:00

It was just announced... the team of

Brittany Bowe
Heather Richardson
Sara Sayasane

Are the Gold Medal winners and what a race it was. Sara moved like a Giselle through the pack on every tag, while Heather held her ground and Brittany pounded the pavement hard and fast.

I must say the ONE THING that I am still amazed by... is Sara's tag that she gave to Heather!! Heather has to be twice as tall as Sara. And Brittany... you weren't afraid to SHOVE Sara into that mess.... with such power. INCREDIBLE. Congratulations girls!!!

Linda
p.s. watch for updates and stories tomorrow along with photos. Thanks...

SENIOR LADIES BOOED ON TRACK

2007-08-20T16:33:00.000-07:00

A super hawk by Sara Sayasane with a great hawk from the Colombian leaves us not knowing what is going on. They have not announced the results from the Sr Ladies.

The crowd booed Sara on the last turn when she threw a breathtaking inside pass on Colombia... to us it looked CLEAN.... to the crowd of Colombians... it did not. We will just have to wait and see what the officials think.

The crowd booed Team USA. The Jumbo Screen shows that Sara won the hawk against Colombia which has caused major commotion!!!!!!! I don't care what anyone says, those three girls earned every bit of whatever they get!!!! We are hoping for gold. I will get back to you on this. And Colombia.... you too earned whatever may come your way. Both of these teams skated their hearts out.

The Senior Men Relay... We were in front a couple of times only to drop back to 4th, 5th or 6th. With one and a half laps remaining... Sebastian was in 3rd, falls while battling for 2nd with Italy. China Taipei was GONE.

The final finish is:

1st China Taipei
2nd Italy
3rd Korea

For some reason after the end of the race one of the French men throws his helmet outside the track and was obviously angry.............. USA finishes 6th, France is 4th and Colombia took 5th.

I will write more later... lots more to tell!!!!!!!!!!

JR MEN 3K RELAY RESULTS

2007-08-20T16:15:00.001-07:00

These are your teams:

Chile
Colombia
Italy
USA (Chad, Colin & Keith)
Venezuela
China Taipei

How can it get any tougher????? ....

Once again it comes down to a long hawk for the guys race.

Colombia falls with just a lap and a half to go. Chile and Chinese Taipei were both DQ'd.... the final finish is:

YES>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

1st Italy
2nd USA by a HAIR... GO Colin Thomas (heused those long legs) and Team!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3rd Venezuela (great hawk by their finisher..so close)

What a hawk by USA and Venezuela....WOW

JR LADIES RELAY RESULTS

2007-08-20T15:38:00.000-07:00

We just received word of who will be competing in the Jr Ladies Relay Final:

China Taipei
Korea
Italy
USA (Briana, Mariah, Alex)
Germany
Colombia

Wow... what a race this will be... it won't be easy for any of the divisions!!! Hang tight...

incredible race ladies! Some super tage that kept us up front for most of the race. But with the way the the young skaters have been performing from Korea, Colombia anything could happen.

Korea got DQ'd early on in the race (it's only 15 laps) and I am not sure why, but it appeared that they were fighting with one of the teams (I only have a 2 inch window and everyone is in black!! Or so it appears)... For SURE it finished:

CHINA TAIPEI
COLOMBIA
3rd WILL BE BETWEEN

USA AND ITALY. Briana Kramer and Italy hawked at the line and even they don't know.!!!!

USA TAKES THE THIRD!!!