Dave Cruikshank facts for kids

Dave Cruikshank, born on January 11, 1969, in Chicago, Illinois, is a famous American speedskater. He competed in the Olympics four times! After his skating career, he became a coach for hockey players. He even owns a special training center in Milwaukee, WI, called DC Hybrid Skating.

Dave's Early Life and Family

Dave went to Glenbrook North High School. He was active in sports, playing both baseball and soccer. Later, he studied Business Management at Carroll College. He did very well in his studies!

Dave is married to Bonnie Blair. She is also a super famous speedskater! Bonnie won five Olympic gold medals, making her one of the most successful female athletes ever in the Olympics. They are a true power couple in the world of speedskating!

Becoming a Speedskating Star

When Dave was eight years old, he switched from ice hockey to speedskating. This happened after he tried a speedskating practice in Northbrook, Illinois. This area is well-known for producing many Olympic speedskaters.

In 1986, he became part of the World Short Track Team. This was a big step in his career.

Winning Junior Worlds

In 1987, at just 17 years old, Dave won the Junior World 500 meters race. This was his first major international competition in long track speedskating. A year later, he made the 1988 Olympic Team! He won the 1,000 meters race at the Olympic Trials to earn his spot.

Olympic Journey

Dave's career kept growing. In 1989, he won a medal in a World Cup competition. He also placed 13th overall in his first World Sprint Championships.

He went on to join three more Olympic Teams:

• 1992
• 1994
• 1998

Dave competed in international long track events for 16 years! Because of his amazing career, US Speedskating added him to their Hall of Fame in 2008.

Coaching Hockey Players

After he stopped competing in speedskating, Dave started a new career. In November 2002, he opened a special training center. This center helps ice hockey players improve their skills. It is located in Milwaukee, WI.