Chris Witty

Chris Witty

Christine ("Chris") Diane Witty (born June 23, 1975 in West Allis, Wisconsin) is an American speed skater and racing cyclist and participated in the Olympic Games in both sports. However, she is more successful in skating.

She is specialized in the short and middle distances, the 1000 and 1500 meters and won medals at these distances at the 1998 Winter Olympics. In 2002 she achieved her biggest success; she won the Olympic gold medal at the 1000 meters in Salt Lake City, with a world record time.

In 1996 she became World Champion Sprint, in 1997 and 1998 she became second and in 2000 she became third.

In 1998 she won the gold medal at the World Single Distance Championships at the 1000 m, in 1996 the silver and in 2000 the bronze medal at the same distance.

In 2000 she placed fifth overall in the 500 m cycling time trials at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, becoming only the ninth American ever to compete in both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.

In 2006, she was elected by her teammates to carry the United States flag at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, where she attempted to defend her title in speed skating, however she was unable to do so.