MILWAUKEE, WI (December 17, 2011) – National Championship racing continued at the Pettit National Ice Center today with skaters competing in the 1500m distance.

Heather Richardson (High Point, N.C.) skated to a win in the ladies 1500m, her third distance win this week, posting a time of 1:58.13, a personal best at the Pettit track. Jilleanne Rookard (Woodhaven, MI) took second today with a time of 2:00.87, and Brittany Bowe (Ocala, FL) was third at 2:01.15, also a personal best at the Pettit track.

Current 1500m World Record holder and two-time Olympic medalist in the distance, Shani Davis (Chiacgo, IL) won today’s 1500m with a time of 1:45.19, just just shy of the track record, 1:44.67. Jonathan Kuck (Champaign, IL) took second posting 1:47.23, a personal best for Kuck at the Pettit track. Brian Hansen (Glenview, IL) finished third with a time of 1:47.46.

 “The speed is coming back and it’s becoming more natural, I’m not forcing it as much,” said Davis. “I was able to have fun with it and enjoy it as a race today.”

The 2012 U.S. Speedskating Championships conclude at the Pettit National Ice Center tomorrow with the ladies 5000m and men’s 10000m distances. Following tomorrow’s competition, U.S. Speedskating will crown the 2012 Allround Champions and overall National Champions for both men and women, as well as naming the 2011-12 Winter World Cup team.

Extended results from todays races are available at: https://webpoint.usspeedskating.org/files/Event_PDFs/2082_Event_OtherDoc5.pdf