Tucker Fredricks leads men’s 500 meters at US speedskating trials; Shani Davis third

Fredricks leads, Davis 3rd after 1st round of 500

MILWAUKEE — Tucker Fredricks leads after the first round of the men’s 500 meters at the U.S. speedskating trials, with Olympic gold medalist Shani Davis in the third spot.

The 5-foot-6 Fredricks, who had a dismal Turin Olympics but has stepped up his training program, got off to a blistering start and finished in 35.20 seconds. The 6-2 Davis, whose best distances are 1,000 and 1,500, took a little longer to get going and crossed the line in 35.71. Brent Aussprung was second in 35.65.

Elli Ochowicz led after the first round of the women’s 500 in 39.34, followed by Heather Richardson (39.56) and two-time Olympic bronze medalist Jennifer Rodriguez (39.70).

Another round of heats is still to come. The combined times determine which skaters qualify for the World Cup season — a prerequisite for making the Olympic team.