Kristen Santos-Griswold, an accomplished American speed skater from Fairfield, Connecticut, is on a determined path to redemption at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. After an unfortunate clash at the Beijing Olympics, Santos-Griswold is back with renewed focus and unwavering determination to excel in the sport she cherishes.
Santos-Griswold, 30, faced a heart-wrenching moment during the women's 1,000 meters final at the 2022 Winter Olympics. Despite leading for most of the race, her Olympic dreams were dashed in a collision with renowned skater Arianna Fontana. Though Fontana's disqualification eventually secured Santos-Griswold a fourth-place finish, the experience left her questioning her future in short track skating.
Last Olympics didn't go my way, she admitted. I struggled a lot with deciding if I wanted to keep skating after that. This setback forced her to reassess her motivations, focusing on her love for the sport rather than just competitive outcomes.
After taking a break from major competitions, including opting out of that year's world championships, Santos-Griswold engaged in deep contemplation and ultimately reignited her passion for skating. I felt like I still had more to give, she expressed, reinforcing her resolve to continue pursuing her dreams.
This weekend, Santos-Griswold is competing in Milan, the final leg of the Short Track World Tour, where she stands as a leading contender for the prestigious Crystal Globe. This event serves as a crucial opportunity, providing a valuable test run for the upcoming Olympic events, some of which will be held at the same venue.
The high stakes of an impending Olympic year bring intensified pressure, a reality not lost on Santos-Griswold. Yet, she views these challenges as essential building blocks in her journey. I think it was honestly a good precursor for this upcoming one, she remarked, highlighting the lessons she is learning from past experiences.
Santos-Griswold is working diligently to overcome mental barriers. She acknowledges that facing pressure is a critical aspect of successful skating. I think while it's hard to deal with right now, I’m grateful that it’s happening so that I can figure out ways around it, she said, showing her commitment to both mental and physical readiness.
As Santos-Griswold continues her preparation, she is focusing on cultivating confidence in her own abilities. I always feel like I have to constantly prove myself, she admitted, but is now focused on internal validation over external expectations.
This journey of resilience, marked by reflective pauses and renewed vigor, positions Kristen Santos-Griswold as a formidable competitor. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the relentless pursuit of one's goals, setting the stage for a remarkable comeback at the Milan Cortina Olympics.
