Sarah Chen and John-Henry Krueger Lead Overall Standings Following Opening Time Trials

WOODBRIDGE, VA (January 27, 2012) - Over 70 of the top U.S. junior short track speedskaters (ages 13-19) took to the ice today at the Prince William Ice Center today for day 1 of the 2012 U.S. Junior Short Track National Championships. Opening day competition featured 4 and 9-lap time trials. 

Sarah Chen tops the overall standings for the ladies today after sweeping both time trials. Chen’s younger sister Jacqueline Chen sits second overall, and You Young (Sally) Chea is third overall going into tomorrow’s competition.

Sarah Chen skated a 41.959 in the 4-lap trial for first, followed by Chea with 43.114 in second, and Jacqueline Chen taking third posting 43.33.

The 9-lap time trial was back-to-back Chen, with Sarah taking first (1:37.171) and her sister Jacqueline in second at 1:39.624. Rachel Stewart finished third with a time of 1:40.139.

"There is no one I would rather share the podium with other than my sister Jacqueline,” said Sarah after today’s races.

"Sarah did wonderful despite fighting through the injury from the US Senior Championships earlier in the month,” added Short Track Junior World Team Coach Anthony Barthell.

John-Henry Krueger swept the men’s time trials and sits first in the men’s overall standings. James Rodowsky, is second, and Adam Callister and Claude Gilbert are tied for third overall.

Krueger skated a 38.023 to win the 4-lap time trial, Rodowsky took second with 38.286, and Gilbert was third with 38.995. 

In the men’s 9-lap time trail, Kruger posted a 1:26.753 for the win, Rodowsky, took second at 1:27.547, and Callister was third with 1:28.256.

"Just doing what I love to do, " commented Krueger following today’s races.

"It’s shaping up to be a strong 2012 Short Track Junior World Team.” added Barthell. “There are a few surprises and plenty of racing left."

Extended results from today’s opening time trials are available at https://webpoint.usspeedskating.org/files/Event_PDFs/1975_Event_OtherDoc2.pdf, and overall rankings following Day 1 are available at: https://webpoint.usspeedskating.org/files/Event_PDFs/1975_Event_OtherDoc.pdf 

The 2012 U.S. Junior World Championships continue tomorrow beginning at 11am (EST). Watch the races live at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/shorttrackhdusjuniors2012.