Flemington turns out Thursday to greet and support Kimi Goetz. Watch video
FLEMINGTON -- When she's training with the U.S. Speedskating team in Utah, Kimi Goetz of Flemington is on the ice two hours a session -- every morning Monday through Saturday, and three afternoons each week.
That's 18 hours a week. Then there's the off-ice conditioning -- lifting weights, running, riding a bike. And Goetz is one of two skaters on the team that also has a job.
Goetz, listed as 22nd in the women's 1000m rankings, acknowledges it's a demanding schedule, then adds with a smile, "It doesn't feel like work when you love it."
Goetz was home in Flemington for an eight-day break before she heads back for the intensive training that will lead into competition starting in the fall. On Thursday night many of her former neighbors and friends turned out for a fundraising reception at Flemington Furs.
"There's a lot of New York Avenue people here tonight," Goetz said, then recalled, "The Gormans used to have to watch out for me and my sister skating on the street."
As well-wishers asked questions, Goetz gave a glimpse into the world of competitive speedskating.
The Koreans are the biggest international threat, she said, for both male and female skaters. "They're the strongest, I think," she said. And for a sport that's supposed to be non-contact, "there's a lot of contact," she said, laughing.
N.J. woman skates for the U.S.
The blades on Goetz's skate are 18 inches long, but they're curved. "If you look closely, you'll see only about that much blade is on the ice," she said, measuring about 4 inches with her fingers.
At her fastest, Goetz skates a lap in 8.7 seconds, about 30 mph.
Goetz started skating at the Frenchtown Roller Rink, and won gold in inline skating in 2010 before turning to ice skating in 2012. When she placed fifth at the U.S. trials for the Sochi Olympics, it was her second official ice meet, after 9 months on the ice.
While holding down a job and training at the same time isn't easy, Goetz said she loves her job. "If I didn't have a job, I'd be stuck in a very small circle," she said. "It's nice to have a life outside of skating."
Speedskating is not inexpensive. Skates cost $2,000. New blades cost $1,100. Thursday night's event brought the community's fundraising efforts to over $8,000, said Mayor Phil Greiner, who with his wife Joan has helped rally borough support for Goetz.
"I wouldn't be able to keep moving forward without the support from my mom and everyone," Goetz said.
A night of comedy to benefit Goetz is planned for Saturday, April 16, 7:30-10:30 p.m. at the Stangl Stage in Flemington. Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased online at hunterdonchamber.org, or by calling 908-782-7115.
Sallie Graziano may be reached at sgraziano@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SallieGraziano. Find The Hunterdon County Democrat on Facebook.