A few words on the skinsuit debate:

There is a very intense discussion going on among the skaters right now as to whether the racing skinsuit should be designated personal apparel or competitive equipment. The top athletes (those who can easily find big sponsorship deals) want it designated personal apparel, so they can put their own logos on it, while the up-and-coming skaters want it designated competitive equipment so that it will be provided to them, and so that USS's ability to find sponsors as a federation will not be placed in jeopardy.

Both sides make excellent points, and I hope the discussion will continue.

I really think that right now USSPEEDSKATING, as a federation, needs to step up and show some leadership. If they want the skaters behind them, then they have to show that they have the skaters' best interest in mind. They have to communicate and let people know that changes are being made for the better, and that USSPEEDSKATING is going in a new direction.

If not, then even as a former skater who never made the big breakthrough, I can see why the top skaters would want to be on their own.