Blair, Jansen Top Speed Skaters in 500 for Second Night in Row

Bonnie Blair and Dan Jansen, two of the strongest hopes for American Winter Olympic medals, Saturday dominated the 500 meters on the second night of the U.S. speed skating trials.

Blair, of Champaign, Ill., led the ladies’ division for the second straight night, winning in 41.46 seconds. She also breezed in the 1,000, posting a time of 1:25.14.

Jansen, of West Allis, posted a 37.75 to pace the men’s 500 for the second consecutive trial. David Cruikshank of Northbrook, Ill., surprised in the men’s 1,000, posting a 1:16.84.

Nick Thometz, world record-holder in the 500, is missing this weekend’s trials while being hospitalized with a low blood count. Thometz has an exemption from 500 and 1,000 competition. But his illness could endanger his eligibility in the 1,500.

Erik Henriksen of Champaign, Ill., was second to Jansen in the 500 with a time of 37.80.

Kristen Talbot of Schuylerville, N.Y., improved her bid for a 500 berth with a 42.73 behind Blair.

John Baskfield of Roseville, Minn., finished behind Cruikshank in the men’s 1,000 with a 1:16.89.

The competition, aimed at selecting the U.S. Winter Olympic team, continues today.