hours of training performed by all types of
skaters, as well as the multiple bouts of high-
intensity exercise, proper food and fluid intake
are a requirement for good performance. Finally,
proper warm-up and cool-down activities, flexi-
bility exercises, and strength development are
important in the overall programme of a skater.
Acknowledgements
The United States Olympic Committee (USOC)
and United States Speedskating (formerly
USISA) have funded most of our work with the
speed skaters. We also need to acknowledge the
assistance and co-operation of the coaches (Dave
Besteman, Mike Crowe, Dianne Holum, Gerard
Kempers, Stan Klotkowski, Jeroun Otter, Susan
Schobe, Guy Thiboult and Nick Thometz) and
athletes who allowed us to test them over the
years, and also allowed us to learn from them.
Finally, we would like to acknowledge Ken
Rundell, Nancy Thompson, Matt Schrager and
Ralph Welsh, who assisted us in the testing of the
athletes.
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