NATIONAL SKELETON PUSH CHAMPS TAKES PLACE AT MT. VAN HOEVENBERG
by Abby Slenker
LAKE PLACID, N.Y. (Oct 13, 2023) - The 2023 National Skeleton Push Championships took place today at the only indoor push track in the United States housed at Mt. Van Hoevenberg. Athletes’ combined time from two runs was measured to determine the winners.
In Women’s Skeleton, Mystique Ro placed first with a total time of 10.13. Ro is the reigning Push Champs champion, having come in first place for women at the 2022 World Push Championships also hosted at Mt. Van Hoevenberg. Sara Roderick came in second with a time of 10.44 and Michelle Toukan came in third with a time of 10.61.
For the men, Austin Florian came in first place with a time of 9.62. Darryl Payne Jr and Andrew Whittier tied for second with a time of 9.74.
“Today was a great kickoff to the season’s competitions!” Matt Antoine, Head Skeleton Coach, shared about the event. “A goal of this program has been to bring emphasis to our starts so we can be competitive and successful on the world stage. USABS has been actively bringing in resources to help our athletes improve, and while we are still early in that process, it is already showing. Credit to the athletes for embracing these changes and putting in the work. We saw a lot of great starts today, and it makes me excited for the direction we’re heading”.
The next step for these athletes are the Skeleton Selection Races at Mt. Van Hoevenberg, which will take place Oct 31 and Nov 2, marking the first competition on an outdoor sliding track for the 2023/2024 competition season.
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About USA Bobsled/Skeleton
USA Bobsled/Skeleton is the national governing body for the sports of bobsled and skeleton racing in the United States. Based in Lake Placid, NY, USA Bobsled/Skeleton oversees the development and training of American athletes at all levels of competition.