MILWAUKEE (AP) — As the countdown to the Milan Cortina Olympics begins, whispers of a clandestine initiative known as "Slippery Fish" are making waves in the world of U.S. Speedskating. The term elicited a bemused reaction from national team coach Ryan Shimabukuro during a recent interview at the Pettit National Ice Center, where the U.S. Olympic trials for long track speed skating took place. Upon hearing the name, Shimabukuro quickly dismissed any inquiries, stating, "No comment. I don’t know how you even know about that." His evasive response raises questions about the project's significance, particularly as the U.S. team aims to secure gold medals in February. The concept behind Slippery Fish has been articulated by Shane Domer, U.S. Speedskating’s chief of sport performance. The goal of the initiative is to enhance athletes' aerodynamic efficiency, thereby reducing drag during races. Historically, speedskaters have utilized wind tunnels to study their aerodynamics, but Slippery Fish revolutionizes this approach by leveraging modern technology. Athletes can now use an app to create a "digital twin" of their bodies. This software simulates wind dynamics around the avatar, employing computational fluid dynamics to quantify resistance and assess how adjustments to a skater’s form can optimize performance. "We can basically say, ‘How much faster will the avatar be in this position vs. that position at a certain speed?’" Domer explained. This innovative approach aims to make skaters "slippery through the air" and has been under development since 2023, with an investment nearing $100,000. According to Domer, even minor changes—like adjusting head position or shoulder alignment—can yield significant performance improvements, potentially shaving fractions of a second off lap times in a sport where success is often determined by mere hundredths or thousandths of a second. U.S. long-distance coach Gabe Girard noted that recent experiments have demonstrated measurable improvements, such as raising both arms while navigating corners rather than just during straightaways. "We’re always hoping to bring something a bit out of left field to catch people off-guard," Girard remarked. The tactical implications of such innovations extend beyond mere performance; they introduce a psychological element, compelling competitors to second-guess their strategies. The competitive landscape of speedskating is highly dynamic, with successful innovations often quickly adopted by rival teams. The U.S. men’s team, for instance, celebrated its first Olympic medal in the sport since 2010 at the Beijing Games, driven largely by a groundbreaking strategy known as Project Push. This involved maintaining a fixed order among racers rather than rotating leadership roles, a tactic that was swiftly emulated by other nations. Domer expressed regret over the premature unveiling of this strategy, reflecting the complexities of competitive secrecy in sports. Currently, U.S. speedskating holds the world record in the men’s team pursuit event, with athletes Casey Dawson, Ethan Cepuran, and Emery Lehman poised as strong contenders for gold in Milan. Lehman emphasized the value of the 3-D modeling aspect of Slippery Fish, which enhances understanding of optimal spacing between racers. "We’re thinking about things analytically," he explained, hinting at the meticulous preparation that characterizes the team's approach. While Slippery Fish primarily focuses on team pursuits and long-distance events, there are plans to extend the program to sprint events. Erin Jackson, the defending Olympic champion in the 500 meters, acknowledged the need for more extensive application of such technology in her discipline, hinting at future developments ahead of the 2030 Games. Domer indicated that many U.S. skaters and coaches are aware of what Slippery Fish offers, although not all have made adjustments based on its findings. Notably, Jordan Stolz, the current top speedskater known for his prowess in shorter distances, has chosen not to adopt the aerodynamic techniques promoted by the program, citing his preference for maintaining his unique skating style. The landscape of speedskating is continuously evolving, with U.S. Speedskating also experimenting with redesigned helmets and innovative technologies aimed at enhancing performance. With projects such as Cutting Edge focused on skate blades and Iron Fist targeting weighted gloves, the organization is committed to pushing the limits of what is possible in the sport. "It’s really hard to change someone who has been training a certain way their entire life," Domer noted, emphasizing the challenges inherent in implementing new techniques. Nonetheless, he remains optimistic about the potential for transformative advancements in the coming Olympic Games. As the U.S. Speedskating team prepares for the challenges ahead, the enigmatic Slippery Fish project symbolizes a broader commitment to innovation and excellence. With the potential to redefine performance standards in speedskating, the initiative captures the essence of competitive spirit as the athletes strive for Olympic glory in Milan.