US Speedskating Team Has High Hopes For Olympics

SOCHI, Russia (AP) — The U.S. speedskating team won't have the home-ice advantage in Sochi.

The Americans still think they have a shot at matching their biggest medal haul at the Olympics.

The 2002 team won eight medals in Salt Lake City. The only other time the U.S. won that many was 1980, also on home ice at Lake Placid with Eric Heiden carrying the bulk of the load with five golds.

This time, the Americans have three skaters who are considered top medal contenders: Shani Davis, Heather Richardson and Brittany Bowe. Brian Hansen is also in the mix, and the men's pursuit team could add another medal to the total.

Coach Ryan Shimabukuro doesn't like to compare teams, but he concedes this is a group with a lot of potential.

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