Opening Ceremonies & Sprint Night

Tonight was beyond incredible. Skaters left everything they had out on the floor ... and then some.

Johnny Ristine, coach, skater and father of three, was in the lead in the Grand Classic Men’s 500-meter sprint when another skater made a pass and they both fell.

Johnny slid into the wall and did not get back up. It was apparent that something was wrong. Within moments, our trainers were out on the floor. Later we heard that Johnny may have broken an ankle. (Knowing Johnny, his wife, children and sister, who were all there, he will be back in the building ASAP!)

The injuries didn't end there. Mary Allmond, who organizes one of the country's top invitationals (the Blue Ridge Challenge), was blazing through Lap 3 when she fell coming out of the first corner. She rolled several times and appeared to hit her head. She stood up looking dazed. But when the skater who had been behind her flew by and and fell down, Mary came back to life. She started sprinting and ended up finishing fourth in the race and earning five points for the overall standings.

As were were leaving the auditorium, paramedics were taking Mary to the hospital. That's a standard precaution after bad falls. (We'll keep you updated on her condition and also that of Johnny.)

Sprint Night lived up to its reputation for excitement. Skaters "ran" from the start to the finish line, only stopping to step on, over or around other skaters. (I have some video I will try posting later along with some more photos.)

Tonight also featured the opening ceremonies, during which they introduced the World Team (see photos.)

More later!

- Linda