Gangneung, South Korea • The United States’ speedskaters arrived at these Games hoping to get back on track — and back on the podium — after a disastrous trip to Sochi four years ago.
In Russia, American long-track skaters were shut out — not a single medal in 36 events — for the first time in 30 years. There were gripes and excuses; they were frustrated by the race suits, which they never had worn in competition before arriving in Russia. There was an investigation that followed. Coaches were replaced, training programs were changed and the Olympic trials were moved to Milwaukee from Salt Lake City for the first time in two decades.