MASTERS NEWS
MASTERS MID-SEASON UPDATE By Kaari Cox
Masters long track speedskating con-
tinues to grow and thrive in the new US Speedskating rules, new events and the efforts of a dedicated group of energetic masters skaters have made the 2011- 12 season a great time to be a long track skater over age 30. In spring of 2011, US Speedskating adopted the MAT 1 category for mas- ters skaters. This designation, similar to CAT 1 for Junior and Senior skat- ers, is based on a time standard and allows skaters of all ages to strive for an elite designation. 18 masters skaters earned MAT 1 status and as a result, the new season brought much discussion amongst skaters from coast to coast how they are focusing their training to achieve the new standard. This is a very exciting time for masters skaters and all look forward to the MAT1 list to grow considerably in the coming years.
In the fall of 2011, masters skaters
had the opportunity to participate in two world-class training camps in Milwaukee and Salt Lake City, focused specifically on skaters over 30. Both camps were extremely well presented, attended and well received. Many attendees returned to their local ovals with knowledge of drills and technique tips learned this past fall and continue to share with new skat- ers or those unable to attend the camps. The Second Annual US Masters Single Distance Championships were held Jan- uary 7- 8, 2012 in Milwaukee, WI. The meet hosted an impressive roster of 58 masters skaters, ranging in ages from 30 to 78 years old, marking a 22 entrant increase from 2011. Included in the competition were 5 IMSSC Masters Re- cord holders (“Masters World Records”), 13 current MAT 1 skaters and numer- ous other dedicated and enthusiastic
US Speedskating Masters participated in a skills clinic at the Pettit National Ice Center this Fall.
masters. The weekend was met with a high level of racing reflected by personal bests, MAT 1 standards achieved and even a more IMSSC records (pending of- ficial certification). Masters skaters are updated on up- coming events and other topics of in- terest via an email newsletter, the US Speedskating Masters News. In addi- tion, masters skaters maintain the web- site
http://mastersspeedskating.org/ as a vehicle for both disseminating current relevant information about masters events as well as providing informa- tion for those looking to get started in speedskating over age 30. Plans are also being finalized for a US Speedskat- ing Masters committee with more news to follow. For more information on joining the
growing masters skating movement, visit
http://mastersspeedskating.org/ n
18 RACING BLADE Winter 2012
www.usspeedskating.org
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