KEARNS, Utah (AP) — Heather Richardson skated through the pain of a back injury to post the fastest times in the world this season with wins Monday in the 500 and 1,000 meters at the 2011 U.S. Speedskating Championships at the Utah Olympic Oval.
Richardson skated to a personal best in the 500, winning in 37.58 seconds over Rebekah Bradford (38.60) and Lauren Cholewinski (38.90).
Richardson also won the 1,000 in 1 minute, 14.70 seconds. It was more than two seconds faster than Bradford (1:16.92). Brittany Bowe was third in 1:18.44.
Tucker Fredricks won the men’s 500 meters Monday in a time of 34.88. Joey Lindsey was second (35.11) and Shani Davis, third (35.29).
Davis is the favorite in the final race Monday, the 1,000 meters. He is the current world record holder and reigning two-time Olympic gold medalist.
