Hedrick, Lamb win speedskating events

Their absence has opened spots for newcomers like Jessica Smith of Melvindale, Mich., who has made the team based on her runs in two 500-meter races.

The 23-year-old Smith began competing in inline skating when she was 13 and has won a dozen world titles. She switched to the ice in 2004 because she wanted to compete in an Olympics.

"It feels good," she said. "I'm glad to do it now so I have more time to get used to the competition. It will help me in my goal of making an Olympic team."

Her best finish in the two 500s was third. She also placed fourth in the 3,000.

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