Podium finishes for Team USA at the world team championships

For the first time in history, both the U.S. ladies' and men's short track speedskating teams stood on the podium at the ISU World Team Championships in Heerenveen, Netherlands. Both teams earned third-place finishes after the A final concluded in today's event.

The ladies battled teams from China, Korea and Canada with China dominating most of the races. Katherine Reutter (Champaign, IL) won the 1000m and the team managed to keep it close with their rivals, fighting for second or third place.

"The relay became the deciding race," said Jack Mortell, U.S. team leader. "The U.S. was unable to break into the top two but their third-place finish in the relay lifted them onto the podium."

For the men, each race was hotly contested against teams from Korea, Canada and China with positions changing after every lap. Apolo Ohno (Seattle, WA) and J.R. Celski (Federal Way, WA) both had important 1000m wins and Ohno put down an impressive victory in the 500m. Just like the ladies' competition, the men's race came down to the relay.

"This was a neck and neck race," Mortell said. "Back and forth, back and forth. Unfortunately, the 2008 World Championship Team from the U.S. fell with 12 (laps) to go, dashing any repeat in 2009."

For the final standings, Korea won the championship title for the men with Canada taking silver. The ladies' competition, the team from China skated off with the victory, followed by Korea in second place.

Besides Reutter, the U.S ladies' team consisted of Kimberly Derrick (Memphis, TN), Jessica Smith (Melvindale, MI), Alyson Dudek (Hales Corners, WI) and Lana Gehring (Glenview, IL).

Ohno, Celski, Travis Jayner (Midland, MI) and Jordan Malone (Denton, TX) made up the men's team.

This event marks the end of international events for the short track speedskating season.

"Every U.S. skater skated like a champion," Mortell said. "We look forward to the Olympic season."