Full Throttle Speed Skating competed in the Buffalo Short Track Championship. Pictured are, from left, Luis Marimoto Taqueushi, Wyatt Kiefer, Gabe Marimoto Taqueushi, Maria Marimoto Taqueushi and coaches Mikey Burdekin and Taylor Burdekin.
Submitted photo
The Full Throttle Speed Skating Team launched its competitive season last weekend at the Buffalo Short Track Championship.
The event attracted speed skaters from across North America, including participants from California, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Utah, as well as Canada.
Gabe Marimoto Taqueushi competed in the Bulls division, racing at 500m, 340m, 255m and 170m distances. He finished eighth in his group for men.
Maria Marimoto Taqueushi competed in the Northtown division, racing at 777m, 500m, 333m and 222m distances. She placed seventh in her group for women.
Wyatt Kiefer competed in the Bills division across 1000m, 777m, 500m and 333m events. He took ninth in his age group for men.
Luis Marimoto Taqueushi dominated the Bills division, claiming 1st place for men in his group, while racing at 1000m, 777m, 500m and 333m. His performance qualified him for both the US Short Track Age Group National Championship this Spring and a the Heartland Racing Series this competition season.
Coaches Mikey Burdekin and Taylor Burdekin guided the athletes through their first visit to this meet, helping each skater achieve personal bests and reach new heights in their speed skating careers.
