The US Speedskating Board of Directors has named Bradley A. Olch as the organization’s interim executive director. Mr. Olch is the former Mayor of Park City, Utah, a position he held for 12 years, and is a founding Board Member of the Park City Foundation. In addition to his civic leadership, Olch brings a long history of Olympic sports development to the organization, serving as a key member of the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Organizing Committee.
"I am happy to accept the reigns of US Speedskating," said Mr. Olch. "Speedskating is a successful sport with an incredible amount of untapped potential. Moving the sport to the next level and capitalizing on the 15 medals that US speedskaters captured in Vancouver is my goal."
Bob Crowley, US Speedskating’s current executive director is stepping down from his position following a four-year tenure with the organization. Mr. Crowley will assist US speedskating and Mr. Olch during the transition period.
"It has been truly an honor for me to serve US Speedskating," said Mr. Crowley. "The athletes are amazing, the sport is thrilling and the potential is limitless. I look for great things from US Speedskating in the future, and hope I was able to provide a solid base for the future of this organization."
"We thank Bob for his contribution in this past Olympic cycle, and we are very excited and fortunate to have Bradley Olch at the helm as we move forward, " said US Speedskating President Brad Goskowicz.
In related news, US Speedskating is pleased to announce that they have signed U.S. Short Track Head Coach Jae Su Chun for the next Olympic quadrennium. "Jae Su has demonstrated exemplary leadership both on and off the ice," added Mr. Goskowicz. "He is well respected by his athletes and peers as was demonstrated with Jae Su being honored twice with the United States Olympic Committee's Order of Ikkos medal - the highest coaching honor for an Olympic coach as awarded by their athletes."
Chun led the short track team to several historic performances in Vancouver, including Apolo Anton Ohno’s three medal wins, making Ohno the most decorated U.S. Winter Olympian in history. With US Speedskating short track athletes medaling in five events, all 10 members of the team returned home with a medal, making Chun one of the most successful coaches at the Vancouver Games.
