2010 Winter Olympics: Rough day on ice for U.S. sprinters

RICHMOND, British Columbia — Elli Ochowicz isn't going to spend a lot of time worrying about her disappointing performance in the women's 500 meter speed skating competition.

"I'm disappointed in the way I raced," said Ochowicz, a native of Palo Alto, California, who finished in 17th position. "Disappointed with myself. I think there were errors in my program this week and it took a little too much out of me. I think in any sport, you have to be prepared for the unexpected and mentally hope it won't get to you."

She plans to leave her lack-luster performance behind.

"I believe I'm fully capable of forgetting about today and focusing on Thursday's race."

Her teammate, Heather Richardson, was the top U.S. finisher with a time of 38.698, while Jennifer Rodriguez was 21st place. Sang-Hwa Lee won the gold medal with a time of 37.85, while Jenny Wolf, Germany, was the silver medalist with a time of 37.838. Beixing Wang was third with a time of 38.487.

Ochowicz gets another chance at a medal on Thursday when she competes in the 1,000 meters.

IN WOMEN'S LUGE: Tatijana Huefner, Germany, won the gold medal with a time of 2:46.524; Nina Reithmayer, Austria, won silver with a time of 2;47.014; Natalie Geisenberger, was the bronze medalists, with a time of 2:47.101.

The top U.S. finisher was Erin Hamlin, who earned 16th place; Julia Clukey, was 17th; and Megan Sweeney was 22nd overall.

The doubles begin sliding competition Wednesday at 5 p.m.

IN MEN'S BIATHLON 12.5 KM PURSUIT: Heber City's Jeremy Teela was again the top finisher. He finished in 24th place, 2:07 behind the gold medalist, Bjorn Ferry, Sweden.

Christoph Sumann, was second, just 16.5 seconds behind the winner; and France's Jay Vincent was 28.2 seconds back for the bronze.

Teela's U.S. teammates did well with Lowell Bailey earning 36th, while Tim Burke was 46th place.

IN WOMEN'S BIATHLON 10 KM PURSUIT: Germany's Magdalena Neuner won the gold medal with a time of 30:16. Anastazia Kuzmina was second, just 12.3 seconds behind the winner. Marie Laure Brunet won the bronze.

ROUNDUP