Following the conclusion of yesterday’s American Cup 2 in Cleveland, OH, Sarah Warren, 15, (Willowbrook, IL) and Thomas Insuk Hong, 14, (Laurel, MD) were nominated to the United States  Olympic Committee to represent Team USA in short track at the 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Innsbruck, Austria, January 13-22. The skaters will compete in the 500m and 1000m distances, and the mixed 3000m relay. US Speedskating coach Joe Rohraff (Freeland, MI) will serve as the U.S. YOG Short Track Coach and Team Leader.

Warren and Hong qualified for their nominations by placing first in the overall classification among the athletes in Group 2, and among athletes in the Youth Olympic Games eligible age bracket (those born between January 1, 1996 and December 31st, 1997), following competition at this weekend’s American Cup 2.

“I was so happy, I didn’t really believe it happened.” said Warren yesterday about being named to the YOG squad. “It was a jaw dropping moment. I am so thankful to have this opportunity while I’m so young. I feel really confident to show the world how great the U.S. can be.”

Hong agreed, “I felt a feeling of relief and accomplishment. I was racing hard over the weekend, and I was just glad it was finally over. But then again, I felt great to have stood out on the ice with Sarah to be representing the U.S. I'm looking forward to just skating against new opponents from different parts of the world and racing my hardest to do so. Winning this spot was a goal of mine ever since I heard of the YOG, and my family is proud that I earned the spot.”

Rohraff looks forward to Hong and Warren’s turn on the international ice. “I definitely think they are both ready to break into the international scene at the junior level,” he said. “ The 500m and 1000m distances are among  Sarah’s strongest, and the strongest for Thomas as well. This is the first time that the U.S. has participated in short track in the YOG. It’s going to be real exciting for the skaters and the U.S, to have another platform to continue to make our mark in the sport.”

Hong and Warren both have spent many years on the ice. Hong began skating at the age of 4 1/2, and Warren at age 10, switching over from the sport of ice hockey. Both attend school full-time in addition to their training, and both maintain a 4.0 GPA.

 

“Because I am very dedicated to school, it's been fairly difficult to manage both short track and school. If needed, I would sometimes miss practice to complete schoolwork,” explained Hong, who is enrolled in the gifted and talented program at

his school.

In addition to her studies and skating, Warren also participates in soccer and track and field and is also enrolled in an all honors course-load at her high school. “I really can’t procrastinate,” explained Warren when asked how she balances school and training. “I have to just bear down and do it. Success in both school and sport takes hard work to stay

on top.”

For now, Hong and Warren will head back to their home clubs to train for the YOG. US Speedskating will announce the two nominations for long track YOG athletes in December. There are only 74 days until the 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games. To find out more about the YOG, please visit http://www.innsbruck2012.com/en.

Congratulations to Sarah, Thomas, and good luck to both athletes and coach Rohraff in Innsbruck.