Lake Placid is alive this season as hearty winter storms finally return to create worldclass conditions for this year’s sporting events. In mid-January, the Empire State Winter Games hosted more than 2,500 athletes competing in 20 different disciplines.
Among them was Kate Stewart, a Syracusan who, when not on the ice, teaches German language at local high schools in Central New York. On January 11, she was far from the classroom stepping instead into her long track speed skates, while psyching up for the 1,500-meter race. She was one of 14 women perched atop thin blades, waiting to pounce at the signal. Competition ranged from youth and juniors, all under age 18, to seniors, a category reserved for seasoned speed skaters, ages 19 to 49. Stewart is in the Masters’ league, reserved for anyone over 50 and brave enough to cut up the ice in nearly a mile long sprint to the finish. At 62, Stewart is a well-known pro who says she has no plans of retiring after 35 years of the sport.
“The thing about speed skating,” she explained about the age disparity, “is that it is very technical, and you can always improve your technique.” It’s why she said she likes it, “because it's so technical and you can always learn more.”
As if being among skaters three times younger was not intimidating enough, speed skating is typically run co-ed, with an equal number of men competing at the same time, which meant Kate had to race against towering young men in their 20s.
“There are a couple like big burly guys that I think I just have to be quick enough to get away from,” she explained about her strategy and added that experience is on her side. “I do other sports with men, so I personally am not scared. I know other people are but I’m not.”
As the race started, Stewart did exactly as she planned, steering deftly between the obstacles with one arm tucked behind her back and leaning into the fantastic footwork in syncopation with her other arm.
As for others who might want tips for living such an exhilarating life well into their 60’s, she offered what she always tells herself when finishing a tough race; do your best and remember you can always race again.
It helps she said, “if you are open to trying new things,” including joining athletic programs like The Syracuse speed skating club. “We’re always looking for new people. There's no age limit. You can try it when you're 65-75 years old.”
Finishing the Empire State Games, she glided in a top 10 finisher at sixth for the women’s 1,500-meter race, and first for the women’s Masters division.
