Name: Alex Izykowski
Birthdate: January 26, 1984
Current Residence: Colorado Springs, CO
Home away from Home: Olympic Training Center where
Apolo Anton Ohno is his roommate
Sponsors: Ziploc
Olympic Sport: Short Track Speed Skating
Medals: Bronze, 5000m relay
Family: Dad is president of Bay City Speed Skating Club, and has a 15-year-old
sister, Morgan.
After being inspired by the 1994 Winter Games in Lillehammer, Norway and some help from a family friend, 22-year-old Alex Izykowski turned in his in-line skates for a pair of speed skating skates. He began skating in 1995 and by 2002 he was third overall at the US Junior Short Track Championship. Alex quickly moved up the ranks and by 2005, was already competing on the senior level. He finished second in the 3000m at the US Team Championships in Milwaukee in March 2006.
Alex made his debut at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy competing in the 1500m race as well as the 5000m relay. He almost didn't make it to the Olympics. His family refinanced their house, maxed out their charge cards, and took out a home-equity line of credit just so he could participate in the Olympic qualifying competitions. When Alex qualified, his parents had no money to travel to Torino with him. But a fundraiser organized by Alex's friends and local resturants raised enough money so his parents could travel to Torino.
Alex won a bronze medal as part of the 5000m relay time that included Apolo Ohno, Rusty Smith, Anthony Lobello, and J.P. Kepka. As for making it to Vancouver in 2010, Alex told us in a phone interview, "We'll see what happens". When asked about living in the Olympic Village Alex said, "I wish the food was better."
A 2002 graduate of Bay City Western High School, 22-year-old Alex has yet to finish college. He took some general classes at Pikes Peak Community College, but took the previous 2 years off to train. College isn't in sight for the future yet as he plans on training for the next 4 years for the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver.
***Information compiled from: NBC Olympics and
Alex Izykowski.com***
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