Nao Kodaira and Pavel Kulizhnikov crowned world sprint champions

Nao Kodaira and Pavel Kulizhnikov were crowned 2019 world sprint champions today at the end of the second day of racing in Heerenveen.

By Jackob Savard

Photo: ISU skating channel

On the last day of racing in the Mecca of long track speed skating, Nao Kodaira and Pavel Kulizhnikov kept their lead in the overall ranking to claim the world sprint champion titles.

A second world sprint champion title for Kodaira

Just like yesterday, Japanese skater Nao Kodaira started her day with a win on 500m. She added a third place on 1000m to confirm her overall ranking victory and her second world sprint champion title in career. Finishing just behind Kodaira in the ranking was her teammate Miho Takagi who won today’s 1000m and finished fourth on 500m. Brittany Bowe from the United States finished second two times today and completed the overall podium.

Kulizhnikov stays on top, Shinhama Climbs to second place

Russian Pavel Kulizhnikov kept his lead to claim the world sprint title. On day 2, he won the 500m and finished second on 1000m. Japanese Tatsuya Shinhama who was fourth after day 1 climbed to second place overall with his performances of the day. He finished second on 500m and fifth on 1000m. Kjeld Nuis won his second 1000m of the weekend to protect his bronze medal position in the overall ranking.

For yesterday's article, click HERE

For the ladies’ ranking, click HERE

For the men’s’ ranking, click HERE

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