KEARNS, Utah (AP) — Jilleanne Rookard won the 3,000 meters at the U.S. Olympic speedskating trials Friday night.
The 30-year-old Rookard will head to the Olympics for the second time after finishing strong for a time of 4 minutes, 9.66 seconds. She was 12th in the 3,000 at the 2010 Vancouver Games.
Rookard finished more than 4 seconds ahead of the next-fastest skater, Anna Ringsred at 4:13.81. The top two are expected to be named to the Olympic team when it is officially announced on New Year’s Day.
The 3,000 was the first event of the trials, which are being held at the Utah Olympic Oval, site of speedskating during the 2002 Salt Lake City Games.
The men’s 5,000 is being held later Friday, with three spots available for the Olympic team.
