U.S. speedskater takes lead in world all-around championships

With a surprising win in Saturday's 1,500 meters, speedskater Jonathan Kuck of Champaign, Ill., moved into the overall lead after three of the four races at the world all-around championships in Heerenveen, the Netherlands.

Kuck, 20, a University of Illinois junior, is unlikely to hold that lead over reigning all-around champion Sven Kramer of the Netherlands after the final race, Sunday's 10,000 meters, in which Kuck finished eighth at the 2010 Olympics.

But given his strong performance in Friday's 5,000, where Kuck finished fourth to the victorious Kramer, he should have a good chance at a medal.  

Kuck, who won a silver medal in team pursuit at the Olympics, recorded a personal-best time of 1 minute, 45.36 seconds in the 1,500.

-- Philip Hersh

Photo: Jonathan Kuck after his performance in Friday's 5,000 meters at the World All-Round Speedskating Championships. Credit: Peter Dejong /Associated Press