By Kathy Brown.
After we published the article about short track speed skater Kristen Santos’ Higganum connection, Kristen did in fact make the 2022 Olympic team. And ever since, people have been asking Kristen’s mother, Donna Lula Soukup, who lives in Higganum, how to watch Kristen at the Olympics.
Donna gives this advice, “When looking for events, be sure to look for the words ‘short track’ and not speed skating. There are two types of speed skating: short track and long track. The words ‘short track’ distinguishes the two.”
Donna told us that Kristen will be skating in five events: 500 meter, 1000 meter, 1500 meter, women’s relay, and mixed relay.
This link tells how to watch short track speed skating at the Olympics February 5-16, however, these are the “live” times in China. “With the 13 hour time difference, some events start live at 6:00 a.m. EST,” explained Donna. “I’m thinking NBC/Peacock will replay them at later times as well throughout the day.”
Donna also explained how the competition works for us novices. “There are several rounds before one can get to the medaling rounds. For example, the 500-meter starts off with a heat; the top two finishers advance to a quarterfinal round. From the quarterfinal round, the top two advance to the semi-final round. From the semi-final round, the top two advance to the medaling round, also known as the ‘A’ final round. The ‘B’ final round consists of the 3rd and 4th place finishers of the semi-final round.”
Now you know how to watch Kristen at the Olympics. Let’s cheer her on!
