U.S. speedskater Richardson-Bergsma sets world record in 1,000 metres

CALGARY – Long-track speedskater Heather Richardson-Bergsma of the United States set a world record in the women’s 1,000 metres Saturday in a World Cup.

Richardson-Bergsma posted a new mark of one minute 12.51 seconds at the Olympic Oval in Calgary.

Her American teammate Brittany Bowe had lowered the world record just minutes earlier with a time of 1:12.54.

“When she (Bowe) set it, I just told myself you can skate fast too, so let’s just see what happens,” Richardson said.

A slip on the final turn almost cost her the world record time.

“I just had to get to the line after that,” Richardson said. “That was the only thing that I was thinking about.

“My legs get a little heavy going into the last inner (corner), so I think there is still room for improvement going into Salt Lake.”

Bowe had held the previous record 1:12.58 since 2013.

Hong Zhang of China was third in 1:12.65.