2014 US Olympic Trials: Tuesday Event Schedule, TV Info, Preview and More

The trials for the 2014 Winter Olympic are in full swing, and the focus has shifted to Tuesday’s schedule and which events will be contested on New Year’s Eve.

While there may only be one event scheduled for Dec. 31, the importance of the men’s and women’s 1,500-meter speedskating qualification will have hardcore sports fans excited to see which star represents the United States.

Here is all the vital viewing information for Tuesday’s event and a full preview.

Where: Utah Olympic Oval, Kearns, Utah

When: Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 6 p.m. ET

Watch: NBC Sports Network

Live Stream: NBC Sports Extra

Date	Sport	Event	TV	Time (ET)
Tuesday, Dec. 31	Speedskating	Men’s/Women’s 1,500-meter	NBCSN	6 p.m.

Breaking Down the 1,500-Meter Race

One of the most prestigious events of the entire Winter Olympics is speedskating, and the United States has shown great prowess in the sport over the years. With expectations as high as ever, Team USA will be pushing to find the best men and women for the 1,500-meter race.

On the men’s side, Shani Davis won the 1,000-meter event on Sunday and has already secured his spot on the Olympic team. Even with his position locked up, Davis is a favorite to contend for the win on Tuesday.

Another serious contender will be Joey Mantia, who finished third in the 1,000-meter and has the better stamina and speed to run at the longer distance. With 12 total positions to fill on both the men’s and women’s teams, the competition will continue to be fierce.

The women have a team that is just as impressive as the men’s, though.

Heather Richardson has utterly dominated the trials, winning both the 1,000-meter and the 500-meter events. While she has taken the victories, Brittany Bowe has finished in second in both and will push Richardson to her limit in the 1,500-meter.

Bowe and Richardson are favorites to finish first and second Tuesday as well.

With Davis, Richardson and Bowe all competing at such a high level, there is little doubt that each will perform well in the 1,500-meter and represent the United States with pride in Sochi.

*All stats and information via TeamUSA.org and NBCSports.com.

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