Greater MN Speedskating Association

Happy Birthday to Minnesota Olympic Speedskater, Annie Driscoll Pearson! Annie competed in the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah. We hope you have an amazing day!

Thank you Leif Ahlgren for bringing this to my attention! Norway has lost a beloved monarch, and I’m glad that these words give us the opportunity to honor their king!

The King was a sportsman himself, an Olympian competing at the '64, '68 & '72 Games respectively. He especially loved watching the Winter sports. Here is what Johann Olav Koss said to Verdens Gang (VG - "the World Times")—
“It’s just incredibly sad. He has been our king of sport, and he has been absolutely, absolutely wonderful. A king I am incredibly fond of,” said Johan Olav Koss to VG.

Olympic champion Johann-Olav Koss with his gold medal from the 1994 Olympics, together with King Harald. Photo: Lise Åserud / NTB

“For us speed skaters, he was the king of skating. He had an absolutely extraordinary interest in it,” says Koss, who won four Olympic gold medals at the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics.
He particularly remembers a Norwegian National Championships (NM) in Trøndelag.
“It was incredibly windy, and there wasn’t a single spectator—except him. He was standing on a wind-battered grandstand up in a tree. Some of the skaters were literally being blown backward. But he was there.”

King Harald and Queen Sonja meet (from left) Geir Kalstad, Steinar Johansen and Johann Olav Koss after the 10,000-meter race at the 1992 Albertville Olympics. Photo: Lise Åserud / NTB

“He was always there. Always. Right until it was over. There was absolutely no interest in the [Norwegian] National Championships otherwise, but he showed up for us. He was there,” says Koss.
“He was just incredible, but especially at Lillehammer in 1994. The other athletes and I were always welcome. He thanked us for what we had done, and he had an enormous knowledge of what we did. He was a king I am incredibly fond of,” says a visibly moved Koss.

Happy Birthday to Midway Speedskating Club’s Fearless Leader, Nick Pearson!

It may be 89 degrees outside, but skating season is right around the corner! Make sure to register for your favorite sport!

⛸️❄️ Registration is NOW OPEN for Fall Skating Programs! ❄️⛸️

Whether you're stepping onto the ice for the very first time or ready to experience the thrill of speedskating, the Roseville Skating Center has a program for you!

🌟 Learn to Skate
• Beginner through advanced classes
• Ages 3 through Adult
• Tuesday & Saturday class options

⚡ Learn to Speedskate
• Tuesdays & Thursdays
• November 17 – February 11
• Beginner-friendly and a great way to build speed, confidence, and technique
• Full season and half-season registration available
• Speedskates available to rent

Our experienced instructors create a fun, supportive environment where skaters of all ages can develop new skills, make friends, and enjoy time on the ice.
📅 Register today before classes fill!
🔗 https://www.cityofroseville.com/3558/Activities

Happy Be-lated birthday!

Congrats Rafferty and Radley!

Love it when our sport hits the big time! Woohoo Erin Jackson!