Miami heat: After long layoff, Jennifer Rodriguez looking strong for another Olympics

Rodriguez closing in on another Olympics

MILWAUKEE — Jennifer Rodriguez has likely qualified for a second event in her bid to get back to the Olympics, leading the 1,000 meters at the U.S. speedskating trials.

Rodriguez, who won two medals at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games, posted a time of 1 minute, 17.91 seconds Thursday night at the Pettit National Ice Center, edging Heather Richardson (1:17.93) and Elli Ochowicz (1:18.05). All three said they would stand on their times instead of racing again in a second-chance 1,000 Sunday.

Rodriguez qualified in the 500 on Wednesday, as did Richardson and Ochowicz. This meet is the first step toward earning a trip to Vancouver, setting the U.S. team for the upcoming World Cup season that will be used to determine the Olympic squad.