Kristen Santos: From Multi-Sport Athlete To Short Track Speed Skating Champion
My journey to becoming a world-class short track speed skater began long before I stepped onto the ice. Like many athletes, I grew up enjoying many sports, exploring different disciplines to find where my passion truly lay. From figure skating, to dance, to soccer, and even occasionally hockey where I was the only girl, each sport taught me valuable lessons about discipline, perseverance, and the joy of competition.
Early Years: A Foundation in Multiple Sports
Growing up in a sports-loving family, I was encouraged to try everything. My parents believed that exposure to various physical activities would help me develop well-rounded athleticism and character. Figure skating taught me grace and precision, while dance improved my flexibility and rhythm. Soccer built my endurance and teamwork skills, and hockey—despite being the only girl on the team—taught me to be tough and resilient.
These diverse experiences proved invaluable when I eventually focused on speed skating. The balance from figure skating, the agility from dance, and the competitive spirit from team sports all contributed to my success on the ice. Many elite athletes today credit their multi-sport backgrounds for their achievements, and I'm no exception.
Rise to the Top: World Champion and Olympic Competitor
Today, I stand as a testament to the power of dedication and hard work. As a short track speed skater, I've achieved remarkable milestones including being the 2024/2025 Crystal Globe winner, 2024 World Champion, 2022 Winter Olympian, and holder of 46x international medals along with American records in the 500 meter and 1500 meter events.
The path to these achievements wasn't easy. Short track speed skating demands incredible physical conditioning, mental toughness, and split-second decision-making. Races are fast-paced and often chaotic, with skaters jostling for position at speeds approaching 30 miles per hour. The sport requires not just raw speed, but also strategic thinking and the ability to navigate through tight packs of competitors.
Recent Competition Highlights
In my most recent competition at the World Cup stop in Shanghai, I placed seventh overall in the women's 500m (b) race on Saturday. I finished with a time of 44.820 seconds, demonstrating the consistency and speed that have become my trademarks. While every athlete strives for victory, each race provides valuable experience and data that helps refine technique and strategy for future competitions.
The World Cup circuit is particularly challenging because it features the world's best speed skaters competing across multiple events throughout the season. Points are accumulated across these events to determine overall standings, making consistency crucial for success. My performance in Shanghai, while not a podium finish, contributed to my overall season rankings and provided insights for improvement.
The Road to Beijing 2022 Olympics
As I pursued my Olympic dreams, I launched a campaign to help fund my journey to the 2022 Olympics in Beijing, China. Donations are absolutely not expected, but are greatly appreciated as you may know, I am a short track speed skater with the ambition of making it to the 2022 Olympics in Beijing, China.
The financial realities of pursuing Olympic-level competition are significant. Beyond training expenses, athletes must cover travel costs for international competitions, equipment needs, coaching fees, and often living expenses while dedicating themselves full-time to their sport. Many athletes rely on a combination of personal savings, sponsorships, grants, and community support to fund their Olympic aspirations.
Building a Personal Brand
To support my athletic career and connect with fans, I've developed a comprehensive online presence. My website features sections for Home, About Kristen, Merch, News, Events, Social Media, Contact, and Donate options. This digital platform allows supporters to follow my journey, purchase branded merchandise, and contribute to my training and competition expenses.
The merchandise line includes items like the KSG Classic Hoodie, which comes in extended sizing and retails for $60.00. Branded merchandise serves multiple purposes: it provides a revenue stream to support athletic pursuits, helps build brand awareness, and allows fans to feel connected to the athlete's journey by wearing or using products associated with their achievements.
Beyond the Ice: Community and Connection
While my primary focus is on speed skating, I recognize the importance of community engagement and giving back. Through my website and social media channels, I share insights into the life of an elite athlete, offer training tips, and discuss the challenges and rewards of pursuing Olympic dreams.
The support from fans and community members has been instrumental in my journey. Whether through purchasing merchandise, sharing my story, or making donations, every form of support helps athletes like me continue pursuing our passions at the highest levels of competition.
Conclusion
My journey from a multi-sport youth athlete to a world champion speed skater represents the culmination of years of dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to excellence. The diverse athletic background I developed through figure skating, dance, soccer, and hockey provided the foundation for my success in short track speed skating.
As I continue competing at the highest levels and working toward future Olympic Games, I remain grateful for the support of my family, coaches, sponsors, and fans. The path of an elite athlete is challenging, but the rewards—both personal and professional—make every early morning practice and every sacrifice worthwhile.
Whether you're an aspiring athlete, a sports enthusiast, or someone who appreciates stories of dedication and achievement, I hope my journey inspires you to pursue your own passions with the same level of commitment and enthusiasm that has driven me throughout my career.
