Speed Skaters in Pursuit of Success

Speed skaters Shane Dobbin, Reyon Kay and Peter Michael, the first of the New Zealand athletes to arrive in PyeongChang, say they have enjoyed their first few days in Korea and they are looking forward to competing.

“We settled in, we’ve had a couple of days on the ice and we’re feeling comfortable,” says Reyon.

Following a successful training camp in Calgary, the athletes say training in Korea has been going well and they are enjoying being back at a familiar venue, having competed here at the World Championships in February 2017.

“The (ice) conditions are almost identical,” explains Shane Dobbin, “so we’re excited about that.”

Their main training focus has been the Team Pursuit event.

“That’s where we feel we have the biggest chance of some hardware,” explains Reyon.

He and Peter will also compete in the 1500m event which Reyon says will be a good warm up.

“The 1500 is more about getting a race at the Olympics under my belt,” he explains.  “The Team Pursuit comes after, so I am happy I’ll be able to shake off the nerves before the main event and the real pressure comes on.”

“I’m really, really hyped for the Team Pursuit,” agrees Peter. “I’m excited for all my events but the Team Pursuit sits really close to the heart, being with the other two guys.”

“The Team Pursuit is my main focus,” says Shane. “It’s pretty much the only reason why I came back into competitive racing.”

Dobbin had retired from competition after the 2014 Sochi Games but was persuaded to return to the sport to compete alongside Reyon and Peter in the team event. The three-time Olympian says that he is pleased to be back in the Olympic arena.

“I have enjoyed every minute of coming back,” he says. “I’m excited to be here. It’s nice to have some speed skating team members with me, this time around it’s made the trip enjoyable.”

His advice to his team mates at their first Olympic Games is simply: “Enjoy the moment. Don’t get too wrapped up in the nervousness of it."