American Lauren Cholewinski Aims for an Olympic Speedskating Medal in 2014

Lauren Cholewinski grew up inline skating so often that skates became like shoes to her. Even though she's since traded in her inline skates for ice skates, she still feels the same. "Life just makes sense when I have skates on my feet," Cholewinski said. A native of York, S.C., Cholewinski, 21, is a rising start for United States Women's Speedskating as a long track skater.

Since moving to ice four years ago, Cholewinski has racked up a nice list of accolades. She didn't compete in her first season, opting instead to train for an entire year to get a handle on the sport. It paid off, as she has made the National and World Cup teams each year since.

This past February, Cholewinski earned one of the highest honors she will ever have in her career, as she can forever call herself an Olympian after making the 2010 U.S. Olympic Team.

"Just walking in (at opening ceremonies), you felt the pride that you had for your country," Cholewinski said.

In her first Olympics, Cholewinski finished 30th overall in the 500 meters.

"It was a little different, because I had never raced in front of a crowd," Cholewinski said. "It was definitely intimidating, but I was just thinking, 'enjoy the moment and race hard.'"

Cholewinski said she was a little disappointed with where she placed, because during the season she had finished in the top 20.

"I know I skated as hard as I could," she said. "But I had been posting better times throughout the season.

"I was still at the Olympics. I can't be too disappointed."

Instead of dwelling on her finish at the 2010 Olympics, Cholewinski is going to take her experience and try to better herself in 2014.

"This time everything was so new and exciting," she said. "Next time I'll know how to handle myself better and stay fresh.

"Next time I want a medal. I want to be there contending for sure."

If Cholewinski does win or content for a medal, it will be quick success for an athlete who was still inline skating just a few years ago.

Originally, Cholewinski started skating as a form of daycare.

"My mom didn't like the daycares, but she knew the people that ran the rinks," Cholewinski said.

So, Cholewinski was signed up for all day sessions, and her mom and brother also got into the sport. Her brother Clay made the switch to ice first, and Cholewinski followed because the popularity of inline skating was dwindling.

Eventually, they both moved to Salt Lake City, Utah to begin training, and Cholewinski took her time getting used to the new skating surface.

"The transition was actually very quick," Cholewinski said. "Now I won't skate inline at all because I feel it might mess up my form."

Now, Clay is on the men's national team, and their sister Nicole has taken up snowboard cross.

"Hopefully all three of us will be in the next Games," Lauren said.

They all live together in Utah with their mother, who gets a lot of credit for her kids' success.

"My mom's always been there through thick and thin," Cholewinski said. "She made it all happen. She's an amazing woman."

The speedskating season runs from October through March, but training begins in May. Currently, Cholewinski is involved in an intensive program that includes dry lands, flat and hilly bike rides for two to three hours and weight training. From May through August, she will also skate on the short track.

"The summer training is actually the hardest part of our season," Cholewinski said,

She is also hoping to find a job or a sponsor so she can continue to dedicate herself to the sport. Finding a job is tough, because she needs to have time to keep up with her mandatory training.

The few times she does have free time, Cholewinski is working on getting her pilot's license, enjoys horseback riding and likes a variety of outdoor activities. Some modeling might also be in her future.

"Skating is pretty much my life," Cholewinski said. "I'm pretty much married to my sport. But, I love it, I can't complain. I wouldn't want to do anything else."