Utah Short Track Speedskaters Miss Podium In Women’s 1000M

BEIJING — Women’s short track speedskating took center stage during primetime coverage of the Olympics on KSL.

Friday night, the women’s 1000m race featured three Utah athletes who live and train in the state.

KSL’s Alex Cabrero spoke with them right after their race.

We were so close to having another Utah athlete get a medal. Kristen Santos, a short track speedskater, made it to the finals, but ended up in 4th.

She was in prime position to make a move right at the end of the 1000-meter, but was hit by the Italian skater, wiping her out and keeping her off the podium.  

As she said afterwards, that’s short track.

“I chose the sport, though, so can’t be mad at it,” she said.

Maame Biney and Corrine Stoddard, who live in Utah and train at the Utah Olympic Oval, both made the B Finals.

Even though they also didn’t make it to the podium, they’re still enjoying their time in Beijing.

“It’s definitely been really challenging, but I made it through and I’m happy with eighth place in my first Olympics,” Stoddard said.

“I’m just still proud of myself because I literally wouldn’t be here two years ago, or like, even a couple of months ago, so I’m super happy and super just enjoying the moment,” Biney said.

And they’re not done — still a few short track races to go in Beijing, which means there’s still a chance to bring another medal back to Utah.