Gold medal favorite for Team USA lives, trains in Salt Lake City

BEIJING — One of Team USA’s gold medal favorites in Beijing lives and trains in Salt Lake City.

Brittany Bowe is one of the best speedskaters in the world, and has been dominant on the World Cup circuit over the past few years.

She was also the flag bearer for Team USA during the opening ceremony.

KSL’s Alex Cabrero sat down with Bowe before her competition in Beijing.

“Let’s hope that third time’s a charm,” Bowe said.

Beijing will be Brittany Bowe’s third Olympics.

Although she’s been gold-medal dominant in non-Olympic events, an Olympic Gold is what all that hard work is for.

“Still trying to accomplish that that one, that one final goal,” she said. “I’ve been, you know, really successful on the World Cup circuit, the World Championship level, and, you know, still going for that Olympic Gold medal.”

Bowe won a Bronze medal in PyeongChang in a Team event, and has come close to winning an individual medal — a 4th and two 5th place finishes in PyeongChang, and an 8th in Sochi.

In Beijing, she’s a legitimate favorite because she’s been so dominant on the World Cup circuit.

“I’m absolutely having fun, and winning is fun,” Bowe said. “So, to start this year two for two with a 1000 meters and a silver medal in that first 1500 is fun. It’s a confidence booster, confidence builder.”

Not that Bowe needs a confidence booster; she knows she’s a Gold Medal favorite in Beijing.

She also knows she’s put in all those days, months, and years of absolutely energy-draining practices.

She’s also the world record holder in the women’s 1000-meter.

Now, for Beijing, it’s just a matter of performing.

“Is there an added pressure? I honestly don’t think there is, um, you know, I’m grateful for the opportunity. And yes, you know, I’d be lying if I said my goal was anything other than Gold, but I’m gonna try to enjoy the experience and hopefully come home with some nice hardware.”

And home is Florida, but also Salt Lake City, where she’s lived and trained for years at the Utah Olympic Oval.

Bowe will be skating in the 500, 1000 and 1500-meter events.

The 1500-meter gets going Monday night in Beijing.