02.25.2010 - Allison Baver Brings Home Olympic Medal

U.S. short track speedskater Allison Baver won her first-ever Olympic medal last night, as the U.S. Ladies 3000-meter relay team captured a bronze medal at the Vancouver Winter Games.

Baver, a native of suburban Reading, Pa., skated as a member of a relay team that included Katherine Reutter, Alyson Dudek, Kimberly Derrick and Lana Gehring.

Team USA originally placed fourth in a time of 4:14:081, but gained a spot on the podium after Korea was disqualified for impeding a Chinese team that set a new world record (4:06.610) with their gold medal showing.

Baver told the Reading (Pa.) Eagle from the Pacific Coliseum: “To me, this is like a dream. I was able to do it. To be at the Olympics is one thing, and to come out with a medal, not that many people have the opportunity to do that. So I’m very proud.”

Baver excitedly posted on her Facebook page within hours of winning: “I’m bringing home the bronze! Thank you team, staff, family, sponsors, friends and fans! We couldn’t have done it without you!”

This is the first Olympic medal for the American Ladies short-track speedskating team since 1994. Baver has competed in two previous Olympics.

02.18.2010 - Vote For My Coach Shawn to Win the O.C. Tanner Inspiration Award!

I need your help, to ensure that my coach Shawn wins the O.C. Tanner Inspiration Award!

Let me tell you a little about Shawn -- he is my life-long coach and a dear family friend. Without Shawn's mentorship, teaching, sacrifice, support and friendship, I know undoubtedly I would not be here at the Vancouver Olympic Games!

To vote for Shawn, please follow these simple instructions:

• Click on this link
• Look for my name and picture to read more about Shawn
• Click on the vote button, and share!

Thanks so much for supporting my dream of winning my first Olympic medal, and for recognizing Shawn.

Allison

02.08.2010 - The U.S. Olympic Team is in Vancouver
We're in Vancouver! The USA short track speedskating team is looking strong! Seriously, possibly the best in history!

We just finished getting all the Team USA Gear and checking into the Olympic Village a couple days ago. It was a few crazy days of one thing after another and of course skating!

I had to wake up at 5:30 a.m. for ice training and last night had a late session at 9:00 p.m. The time of the day doesn't matter...I'm awake and it feels great. It is just amazing being here; stepping on the competition ice for the first time is the best feeling in the world.

We won't have that many chances to skate on the ice since we share it with figure skating. Right now, I'm trying to decide if I'm going to be walking in the Opening Ceremonies. I probably won't decide until that day, since there is a chance I will be racing in the ladies 3000m relay semifinals the next day.

My room here in the village is small but I kinda like the "Rocky-ness" of it. Gotta represent Philly ya know what I'm sayin'! Where my Eagles fans at?

The Olympic Village is amazing -- It's on the waterfront overlooking Vancouver. Everything is modern and it's awesome. It feels so much like home! Although I could use a different pillow and I've been wearing a sleeping eye mask to sleep better! Tomorrow, I'm going to visit alternate housing that U.S. speed skating has arranged for athletes outside the village. I will decide soon where I'm going to stay during the competition. Other than that, just preparing for my races!

I have to mention that today is actually the one-year anniversary of breaking my leg. It has been one VERY tough year and I am so fortunate to be here at the Olympic Games competing against the best of the best.

I have to tell you, I've had the same laces in my skates as another reminder of where I was and what I'm coming back from, since before the competition in Bulgaria, where I broke my leg. I've ordered over 300 once, that's how crazy I am about fresh laces. So to use the same ones for over a year is tough. I refused to change them and wanted to mentally challenge myself to keep going no matter what. I will change them when I'm ready. Today is the day. I'm changing them.