Witty Picks Up the Pace

Chris Witty appears to be peaking at the right time.

Witty qualified in two more Olympic events Wednesday, winning the women’s 500-and 1,500-meter races at the U.S. speedskating trials.

The 26-year-old Witty, who won two medals at the 1998 Nagano Games, got off to a slow start on the World Cup circuit this season. Her best finish was fourth in the 1,000 earlier this month.

But she isn’t concerned. Her training is targeted to reach a high point in February, when the Olympics will be held on the same oval in suburban Salt Lake City.

“I just stay focused on myself,” Witty said. “It’s not like I’m skating bad. These are better times for this time of year than I’ve ever had before.” In the 500, Witty beat her top rival, American record holder Jennifer Rodriguez of Miami, with a time of 38.38 seconds.

“It’s a friendly rivalry,” said Witty, from Wisconsin. “It’s not cutthroat at all. It makes us both excel.”

Rodriguez also qualified in the 500, along with Becky Sundstrom of Glen Ellyn, Ill., and Amy Sannes of St. Paul, Minn.

Rodriguez, a former inline skater who became an international star on the ice, prequalified in the 1,000 and 1,500. She also is likely to make the team in the 3,000, holding the American record in that event.

“In every event,” Witty said, “she’s right there internationally.”

Witty isn’t doing so bad herself, having prequalified in the 1,000 to go along with the two spots earned Wednesday. In the 1,500, she cruised to the top spot in 1 minute 58.53 seconds.

Sannes and Sundstrom were 2-3, each earning a second Olympic event. Rodriguez didn’t take part since she’s already in.

Witty is one of the few athletes to compete in both the Winter and Summer Olympics, placing fifth in cycling at the Sydney Games.

Still, it’s difficult to live up to the expectations placed on a two-time medalist. When Witty struggled early in the season, she heard plenty of criticism.

“One person said I wasn’t trying,” Witty said with a smirk. “Other people thought I didn’t have it in me anymore.”

Clearly, that’s not the case. Witty is approaching her next Olympic experience with a more relaxed state of mind.

“The last time, I was more desperate to win,” she said. “Now, it would be nice to win.... I’m going to focus on the performance, not the outcome.”

On the men’s side, Joey Cheek of Greensboro, N.C., won both events Wednesday, setting an American record in the 500 and also claiming the top spot in the 1,500.