Sensational 28-Year-Old Speed Skater Shatters National Record, Gliding to Gold in US Short Track 1500M

In short-track speed skating, it’s not just about beating the clock; it’s about battling it out with fellow athletes. American speed skater Kristen Santos, aged 28, is a force to be reckoned with. As a 2022 Winter Olympian and an astounding 18-time World Cup Medalist, she’s achieved more than most could ever dream of at such a young age.

But here’s the latest buzz about Kristen Santos-Griswold ? she’s done it again, making headlines for yet another incredible accomplishment added to her ever-growing list of achievements. Kristen Santos-Griswold is now the 2023 Short Track 1500m US Champion, solidifying her status as one of the sport’s true legends.

Santos Griswold’s record-breaking victory

In a recent Twitter post by US Speedskating, a picture was shared featuring Kristen Santos alongside Corinne Stoddard and Julie Letai. The caption reads, “Kristen Santos-Griswold is your 2023 Short Track 1500m US Champion. She set a new U.S. National Record in the process, and further added, ‘Corinne Stoddard and Julie Letai are your Silver and Bronze medallists.?

Kristen Santos Griswold?s dominance in short-track speed skating was on full display at the US Championships Short Track & Youth Olympic Winter Games Qualifier. She won all the six events she entered, including setting a National Record in the 1500m, Santos-Griswold proved her status. ?I put a lot of pressure on myself usually, so?for this weekend, I really just wanted to try to not put pressure on myself and have fun,? said Santos-Griswold, a 2022 Olympian who won eight World Cup medals last season.

Notably, Julie Letai and Corinne Stoddard, who were Santos teammates, also excelled. Letai consistently landed on the podium in all six races, while Stoddard achieved a Personal Best in the gruelling 1500m. Their collective performances underscored the immense talent and camaraderie within the team, setting a promising course for the future of short-track speed skating in the United States. ?It hurt a lot. That was probably one of the most painful races I?ve ever raced. But it was worth it,? Stoddard said after her 2.15.491 finish. However, Santos faced a setback during the 2022 Winter Olympics, but now she proved she is the best.

Skating through adversity: Olympic setback and resilience on the ice

During the women’s 1000m short-track speed skating final at the 2022 Winter Olympics, Kristen Santos, poised for a medal, was taken out by Arianna Fontana of Italy in the final lap. This collision dashed Santos’ hopes of winning the first Olympic medal by a U.S. woman in short track since 2010. Despite the disappointment, Santos displayed sportsmanship, expressing no anger toward Fontana. She finished fourth, with Suzanne Schulting of the Netherlands ultimately winning gold.

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Santos said, “The unpredictability of the sport ?can be really frustrating and hard to deal with, and that?s what gives me a lot of anxiety before a race, but at the same time, I think that?s what keeps the sport so exciting.” She further added, ?The fastest person doesn?t always win. It comes down to race strategy. It comes down to a little bit of luck, it comes down to preparation. Every little thing.?

Kristen Santos-Griswold has now become the 2023 Short Track 1500m US Champion, solidifying her status as a true legend in the sport.

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