Professional speed skating is back in Lincoln

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Professional speed skating is back in Lincoln for the National Speed Skating Circuit (NSC) NSC35 event.

The NSC is the only professional indoor inline race series in the world.

They come to Lincoln at least every other year and the city is like a home away from home for the athletes.

“I think for our athletes, it just kind of became home. We come here and we always make a trip down and drive by Pershing center, where we used to skate before they closed it down, and coming back to Lincoln is always like coming home for all of us that grew up on wheels,” NSC 35 Race Manager Kelly Springer said.

Thirty-five athletes gathered for the event. One of them is an Olympic gold medalist.

2022 500m long-track gold medalist Erin Jackson competed in today’s event.

She was originally an inline skater, but later transitioned to ice when she was 24.

“Roller skating is still my first love so I like to get back in and roller skate whenever I can. I try to come to this event every year when my schedule allows for it. It’s just fun to be back here,” said Jackson.

While the event was a fast-paced skating bonanza, there was a moment where a young skater with down syndrome named Kyah got to race the gold medalist.

Kyah got a little head start, but she kept the lead and held on to beat the Olympic champ.

After the win, she said she raced so hard and was excited after crossing the finish line.

She’ll be racing in the US Roller-Sports speed skating nationals at the Speedway Sports Complex in Lincoln on Wednesday.

The speed skating nationals are a weeklong event that’s happening now through July 16.