local news

  Calgary Sun - December 19, 2001
 

Yesterday's speed skating at the Olympic Oval was fast, short and to the point.

And by the time the men's and women's 500 metre races were run, more of the questions surrounding Canada's 2002 Olympics were answered. Veterans Susan Auch and Patrick Bouchard will be back representing Canada at the Games after both skaters won their races to add their names to Canada's list... complete article here

  Calgary Herald - December 19, 2001
 

They call it the Olympic trials, but it wasn't much of a trial for Susan Auch.

In theory, the 35-year-old national team veteran had to win Tuesday's 500-meter race in the Canadian single-distance championships and Olympic trials at the Oval to qualify for Salt Lake City.

But the reality is, Auch could have... complete article here


  Calgary Herald - December 9, 2001
 

She insisted she wasn't feeling discouraged. Or distraught. Or too old. Or to past it. Or berift of hope.

"Actually, I'm feeling a bit POed," said Susan Auch, behind the temporary bleachers at the Olympic Oval on Day 1 of the ISU World Cup speed skating stop.

"There were some good things today... complete article here


  Impact Magazine - November/December 2001
  "The Olympic Oval plays host to the Essent ISU World Cup Speed Skating circuit from December 8 to 9, in what promises to be a very exciting competition, just two months before the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City. The fact that this is the only long-track speed-skating World Cup event to be held in Canada this year is a credit not only to our rise - indeed dominance - of the sport over the last few years, but because the Olympic Oval is recognized as one of the premier speed-skating venues in the world."

  "The statistics from the 2000 - 2001 season speak for themselves. A total of 54 medals were won by Canadian long-track speed skaters in international competitions, including 17 at world championships, 36 at World Cup events,and
  three world championship titles. They now go into the World Cup, and the Olympics, fielding the strongest team ever."

  "Susan Auch is facing her biggest challenge as she prepares for her fifth Olympics. The layoff after the 1998 Olympics has given her extra motivation to come back and win her third successive medal. She's positive and strong. "My focus is the Olympics, and I want to win a medal," she says. Any regrets about her early retirement? "I don't stress about the decision but realize that I quit too soon. I've come back stronger and have a different attitude towards the Olympics. I'm looking forward to going for the enjoyment, fun, and the spirit the games represent.""