the Olympians are here-US Speedskating Olympic qualifying 2009, Marquette, MI

If you've never had a chance, you gotta check it out. It's speedskating, one of the most exciting sports there is, IMHO. Marquette, Michigan is home to the USOEC, partnered with NMU. Berry Events Center has been home to the Olympic qualifying for speedskating for at least the last two winter Olympics, I don't know the history of the sport before that. I started photographing these skaters in 2005, with some of that work from the Olympic qualifying ending up in the Torino media guide and NBC Olympics coverage. This time around, I will not be able to attend Friday and Saturday's races due to previous commitments. However, I did get a chance to sneak in last night and grab some shots. I forgot how extremely difficult it is to photograph speedskating in relatively low light conditions. Lot's of duds, but a few keepers. Maybe at the worlds, which also will be in Marquette in November, I will be a little better prepared. Here's a couple shots from last night. I hope to get more up on my website soon. For an overview of standings, go to US Speedskating website.

apolo ohno turning on the burners

apolo ohno in a familiar spot, ahead of the pack