Henry Schlichting, a junior at Arrowhead, qualified for the Olympic Trials in speed skating. He started at age 8 in Hartland, and now here he is, participating in the Olympic trials. The Olympic trials took place from January 2 to the 4 at the Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
“A little nerve-wracking, but at the same time I’m excited for it. Just excited to watch everybody skate and also see if I can get some PRs,” Schlichting said. “It’ll be my first time skating in front of a large crowd, so I’m definitely excited for that.”
This was Henry’s first time skating in front of a national audience. He has spent years of practice and training at the Pettit National Ice Center. He said he has a lot of goals for the future, with dreams of making the national team.
“I generally don’t like to think too far ahead, but I mean maybe one day making the national team will be a goal,” Schlichting said.
80 people were selected to compete at the trials, with only 13 being selected for the U.S. Olympic team. Skaters earn spots based on their finishes in specific distances at the trials. Top performers in each distance secure spots (500m, 1000m), but some slots are alternates, depending on the country’s selection.
Henry competed in the 1500m speed skate. Even though Henry didn’t qualify for the Olympic team, finishing in 21, there will be more opportunities in the future.
