Brian Wanek

Brian Wanek competed at the World Championships in 1988, 1991, and 1993-94, in addition to his two Winter Olympic appearances. Wanek was on the World Cup circuit in 1987-88, and 1990-94. His best international placements came at the 1985 World Junior Championship, when he was seventh in all-around, and fourth in the 3,000 m. Wanek graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee in 1990 with an honors degree in computer science, and worked as a computer programmer during much of his speedskating career. But he later returned to school at the University of Chicago Law School, earning his law degree. He then became a partner with Foley & Lardner, practicing in their Tampa office and specializing in real estate law, especially in the energy industry. Wanek’s brother Brad was also a speedskater, but was a West Point grad and later became an Army helicopter pilot.

Personal Bests: 500 – 38.65 (1992); 1000 – 1:15.44 (1992); 1500 – 1:55.15 (1992); 5000 – 6:58.60 (1992); 10000 – 14:51.34 (1992).