2014 US Olympic Trials Speedskating Results: Short-Track Points Leaderboard

The 2014 U.S. Olympic short-track speedskating trials concluded on Sunday, Jan. 5, and the country’s hopes of dominating the sport at the Sochi Winter Games are bright after several strong performances.

Whether it’s J.R. Celski on the men’s side or Jessica Smith on the women’s side, the stellar showing by almost every American star on the team proved that this event will be one of Team USA’s strongest this year.

Here are the top short-track times from the 2014 Olympic trials.   

Men's Olympic Qualifiers	Points
Women's Olympic Qualifiers	Points
J.R. Celski	2,500
Eddy Alvarez	1,632
Jessica Smith	2,500
Emily Scott	1,840

Men's Olympic Qualifiers	Points
Women's Olympic Qualifiers	Points
Chris Creveling	1,000
J.R. Celski	800
Jessica Smith	1,000
Emily Scott	800

Men's Olympic Qualifiers	Points
Women's Olympic Qualifiers	Points
J.R. Celski	2,500
Eddy Alvarez	1,632
Jessica Smith	2,300
Emily Scott	2,200

Men's Rank	Name	Points
Women's Rank		Points
1	J.R. Celski	6,800
2	Eduardo Alvarez	4,704
3	Chris Chreveling	3,674
4	Kyle Carr	2,927
5	Jordan Malone	2,917
1	Jessica Smith	6,800
2	Emily Scott	5,640
3	Alyson Dudek	4,640
4	Sarah Chen	3,128
5	Kimberly Goetz	2,231

Breaking Down Top Contenders

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Top Star on the Men’s Side: J.R. Celski

Celski is one of the most dominant short-track speedskaters in the world. After winning two bronze medals during the 2010 Olympics—his first time qualifying for the games—the American star has regained his elite form and looks even more impressive.

With victories in the 500-meter and 1,500-meter distances, Celski has sent a message to Team USA and the entire world that he is ready to lead his country into Sochi and bring home the gold.

Fellow short-track ace Eddy Alvarez also shined in each event, finishing second multiple times, but that only further proved just how much raw talent and skill Celski possesses.

If Team USA wants a gold medal in the men’s speedskating, it will come via the legs of Celski.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Top Star on the Women’s Side: Jessica Smith

Just as Celski dominated the men’s bracket, the same can be said for Smith on the women’s side.

Smith was named an alternate in 2010—a snub the talented skater used as motivation to gain an even better form for this year. Now, Smith has returned to the trials and won the first 1,500-meter race before finishing second in the next event to secure a spot on the Olympic team.

Smith’s dream of competing in the Winter Olympics is going to come to fruition.

Not only did she dominate in the 1,500-meter events, but Smith also shined in the 500-meter classification and finished first in the 1,000-meter races Sunday.

Led by Smith’s confidence and excitement, the women representing Team USA will be looking for gold in Sochi.