US Speedskating, Salt Lake Community College renew contract to assist Winter Olympic athletes

Skaters compete in a race during the ISU World Cup Speed skating at the Olympic oval in Kearns on Jan. 28, 2024. This week, U.S. Speedskating announced they'll continue a partnership with Salt Lake Community Colleges that supports winter athletes. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY — U.S. Speedskating has renewed a partnership with Salt Lake Community College's "Beyond the Podium" program, which, since 2017, has provided a tuition-free education as well as career counseling for more than 90 student-athletes.

"We are thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with SLCC, especially since our passions and values are so aligned," said Keith Bryant, the CEO of U.S. Speedskating.

The program's goal is to support athletes by helping them prepare for a long-term careers.

"This opens up an opportunity for athletes in sports who don't normally have a traditional NCAA pathway, or collegiate sports pathway," said Chris Needham, program director of "Beyond the Podium."

"A lot of these athletes who participate in ... a lot of winter sports just don't have those options available," he said. "This gives them an opportunity to get an education while still competing at their sport at the highest level."

The 90 student-athletes who have participated in the program have won a combined 11 Olympic and Paralympic medals since 2017.

Contributing: Simone Seikaly

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