Local Media Covers Paul Dyrud’s Olympic Bid
The StarTribune wrote a rather lengthy piece on Paul Dyrud’s bid to make the 2014 Olympic team. Paul has around 20 days to prepare for Olympic Trials at the end of December.
Here are a few excerpts:
Dyrud currently is ranked fourth among American men in the 5,000 with a season-best time of 6 minutes, 34.59 seconds, and his time of 1:47.97 ranks him fourth in the ultracompetitive 1,500.
A maximum of 10 men will be named to the Olympic team. Dyrud’s best chance of qualifying is in the 5,000 meters, a fitting distance for a skater making a final push in a career that has lasted the long haul.
“Whether I make it or whether I don’t, I’ll never have to think about, ‘What if I hadn’t quit?’ ’’ Dyrud said. “I had a really good season in 2010, and Abby could tell that quitting when I was finally gaining some headway was bothering me a little bit. I became passionate about it again.’’
American Cup speedskating December 7 & 8
When: Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.
Where: John Rose Oval, Roseville
Admission: free
The schedule: On Saturday, the women will race at the 500-, 1,000- and 3,000-meter distances, while the men will compete at 500, 1,000, 3,000 and 5,000 meters. Sunday’s program includes 500-meter, 1,500-meter and mass start events for each gender.
Top Minnesotans: Several local skaters who will compete at the Olympic trials later this month will be racing in Roseville. Paul Dyrud of Crystal is among the highest-ranked Americans this season in the men’s 1,500 and 5,000. Leah Lambert of Blaine and Mike Blumel of Woodbury compete in sprint events and also are among the top tier of American skaters.
Click here for the full piece.
MN Masters Speedskating 