Olympic Speed Skating Trials : Swider-Peltz Earns Fourth Berth With Victory in Last 1,000 Heat

Nancy Swider-Peltz became America’s first four-time Olympic speedskater, winning the final 1,000-meter heat Sunday night at the U.S. time trials.

Swider-Peltz, who gave birth to a child only 11 months ago, grabbed the final women’s spot with a time of 1:28.94, giving her fourth place overall in the 1,000. Swider-Peltz’s victory also marked the first time in nine weekend sprints Bonnie Blair failed to finish first.

Swider-Peltz became the second veteran Olympian to emerge from retirement and clinch a berth on the squad. Mary Docter of Madison, Wis. has qualified in the 3,000 and 5,000. She clinched a start in the 5,000 Sunday night with a first-place finish in 8:03.81.

Dave Cruikshank of Northbrook, Ill., completed a victory in the men’s 1,000, earning a berth. Cruikshank, first through last weekend’s two races, posted a time of 1:20.07 to retain that position. Skaters contest three 1,000s and can throw out their worst time.

Sunday marked the final day of two weekends of trials aimed toward picking the U.S. Olympic team.