2007 WU Star Beats World Record
November 12th, 2007
Enrico Fabris in full speed
The Essent ISU World Cup Speed Skating series kicked off last week-end with skaters gathering at the Olympic Oval in Salt Lake City to compete in all distances. The rink is situated at 1,425m altitude, and is renowned for fast times. True to reputation World records were skated in the men’s 500, 1000, 1500 and 5000m. The Speed Skating Star of the 2007 Winter Universiade, Olympic and Universiade Champion Enrico Fabris (ITA – 2005 WU Bronze 1,000 m, Gold & UR 1,500 m, Gold 5,000 m; 2007 WU Gold & UR 1,000 m, Gold, UR & TR 1,500 m, Gold & UR Relay) clocked a new World Record! In the 5000m, Dutch Sven Kramer had been undefeated since the Olympics. The World Record holder just stayed away from his time by 0.04 second, and finished in 6.07.52. Enrico Fabris came next and started slower than Kramer, but managed to keep his laptimes even, low 29s, with acceleration at the end. Still behind Kramer’s time when the bell rang for the last lap, he threw in a 28.5 lap and lowered Kramer’s World Record with 0.08 second. 6.07.40 was his time. It’s the first time in history that an Italian holds a distance World Record for longer than two pairs. In third place finished Norwegian Håvard Bøkko, with a personal best of 6.14.14 keeping Dutch Carl Verheijen (1997 WU – Gold & UR 5,000 m & 10,000 m) just besides the podium. In the 3,000m ladies, Dutch Renate Groenewold (NED - 1997 WU – Gold & UR 1,500 m & 3,000 m, Gold 5,000 m) won the bronze with 3.59.79 also below 4 minutes. (source: ISU - photo: C. Pierre)
