16-Year-Old NJ Speed Skater To Compete In Olympic Trials

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Basking Ridge 16-year-old Justin Liu, a short-track speed skater, will be competing at the US Olympic Trials on Dec. 17.

If he qualifies for the Olympic Trials, it would make him the youngest to compete in the men's division in 12 years.

• Be the first to know what's happening in your town and area. Sign up to get Patch emails and don't miss a minute of local and state news: patch.com/subscribe

"By making Olympic Trials at my age, I just want to show other aspiring athletes that it's never impossible to achieve your goals in the sport as long as you stay committed and focused. Only having talent doesn’t hold up at all," said Liu.

The Ridge High School student has his hands full while juggling online schooling and intense training out in Salt Lake City, Utah for the last 6 months in order to qualify for one of the 16 available spots at the Olympic Trials.

In order to still compete at Olympic Trials, Liu will have to skate one of the four fastest times in various distances out of other competitors from across the country.

Since the age of four, Liu has earned a plethora of accolades in the sport. From maintaining his title as the undefeated Age Group National Champion for 5 years straight to consistently placing higher than many senior skaters at American Cups, his ability has led him to big dreams.

"Ever since I was 8 and started competing at the national level, I've wanted to have a veritable shot at the 2022 Olympics," said Liu.

Liu will make his attempt at the US Olympic Trials on Dec. 17. The Olympic Trials themselves will be run Dec. 17 through 19 at the Utah Olympic Oval, broadcasted live (EST) on NBCSN at 9 p.m. Dec.17, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 18, and on NBC at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 19.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.