Jeremy WOTHERSPOON

Jeremy Wotherspoon is arguably the best sprinter of his time, winning four World Sprint Championships (1999, 2000, 2002 and 2003), three distance world titles, and a slew of World Cup victories. In addition, he bettered the world record in the 500 m, 1000 m and sprint combination various times, usually at his home rink, the Calgary Olympic Oval.

By contrast, the tall Canadian has not performed well at the Olympic Games. He won a silver medal at his first Olympics in the 500 meter, but failed to reach the podium on the 1000 m. In 2002, as the top favorite in the shortest distance, he fell after just a few strokes. Although eliminated, he did skate the fastest time in the second run. His other three Olympic races, the 1000 m in Salt Lake City and both events in 2006 were similarly disappointing. Following the Torino Games, he took a sabbatical, returning in late 2007 with the Toronto Olympics as his target.

Personal Bests: 500 – 34.03 (2008); 1000 – 1:07.03 (2008); 1500 – 1:46.18 (2006); 5000 – 7:37.36 (1996).