Age doesn't stop Bruce Conner

When long track speedskater Bruce Conner (Kildeer, IL) steps on the ice today to compete in the Men’s 500m at the U.S. World Cup/Olympic Qualifying event in Milwaukee, he will be the oldest person to ever qualify and race at this competition. Born in 1956, Conner (age 53) is more than twice the age of most of his competitors but to Conner, age is relative.

“I’m faster than I was four years ago,” he said. “I’m technically a better skater than ever. My expectation is to put it all on the line and see what happens. This is my Olympics.”

Conner started speedskating when he was 12 with the Park Ridge Speed Skating Club in Illinois and competed until he was 19. A member of the U.S. National Training Program in 1974-1976, Conner participated in his first Olympic trials at 19.

When he didn’t make the team, he officially retired from speedskating and hung up his skates. But 20 years later, he found a new interest in the sport. “I always loved skating,” he said. “I went to Calgary a month before the Olympic Games and I was able to skate in the Calgary Oval. That was the first indoor rink on the planet and, to me, it was heaven.” 

Conner went on to compete in the U.S. Olympic Trials at the age of 49 and again at 53. He holds three world records for his age group in the 500m, 1000m and samalog (a combination of 2 x 500m and 2 x 1000m). He keeps in shape by working out 12 times a week, with Sundays off and he credits his great physical condition to healthy eating, good rest and constant activity. Olympic ambition runs in the Conner family as his brother Bart Conner achieved success as an Olympic gold-medalist for gymnastics. 

Although he doesn’t expect to make the Olympic team, just being qualified to skate the Olympic qualifying event is enough for him. And he expects to see some great skating over the course of the event at the Pettit National Ice Center.

“(The Pettit) has the best ice I’ve seen this year,” Conner said. “They’ve done a tremendous job. I think it’s the fastest sea-level rink on the planet.”

Racing begins today at 6 p.m. (CDT) in Milwaukee. The event continues through Sunday featuring skaters like Olympic gold-medalists Chad Hedrick and Shani Davis. To follow results, visit www.usspeedskating.org or follow USS on Twitter @usspeedskating.

About US Speedskating

US Speedskating is a non-profit organization recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the International Skating Union as the governing body for the sport of speedskating in the United States. Its mission is to be one of the premier speedskating organizations in the world through excellence in leadership, development and performance. To date, US Speedskating has won 75 Olympic medals, making it the most successful winter sport in the U.S.  In addition to its elite programs, US Speedskating is responsible for the grassroots development of speedskating. For additional information about US Speedskating please visit www.usspeedskating.org.