Bowe, Bergsma top 1st heats of 500 at US speedskating trials

MILWAUKEE — Brittany Bowe had the quickest time after the first heat of the 500 meters at the U.S. Olympic speedskating trials, with longtime rival Heather Bergsma right behind.

Bowe was timed in 37.99 seconds Friday. Skating in the same pairing, Bergsma crossed in 38.25.

Bowe and Bergsma are former roommates and training partners. Bergsma married Olympic champion speedskater Jorrit Bergsma two years ago and moved to his home country of the Netherlands.

Erin Jackson was third at 39.23. The 25-year-old from Ocala, Florida, is a three-time roller sports athlete of the year who has transitioned to ice.

Sugar Todd, a 2014 Olympian, was fourth at 39.28.

Blair Cruikshank, the teenage daughter of five-time Olympic champion Bonnie Blair, was 16th at 42.22. She skated alone in her heat and was cheered loudly by the sellout crowd at the Pettit National Ice Center.

Bonnie shook a blue cowbell and yelled for her daughter to "stay down" as Blair sprinted around the big oval. Blair is coached by her father, four-time Olympian Dave Cruikshank.

Blair's goal is to make the 2022 Olympic team.

On the men's side, Mitch Whitmore had the fastest time after the first heat of the 500 in 35.06. He's bidding to make his third Olympic team.

Skating in the same pairing, former inliner Kimani Griffin was second-quickest at 35.49.

Jonathan Garcia was third at 35.58. Brett Perry crossed fourth in 36.30.

The 500 is raced over two heats with the fastest times determining which skaters earn the three Olympic berths.