Whiz Kid: Shaner LeBauer

This Week’s Whiz Kid: Shaner LeBauer

Age: 14

School: Freshman at Sidwell Friends School

Accomplishments: This Potomac resident has been speed skating for five years and recently earned a gold medal at the U.S. National Short-Track Speedskating Championship. LeBauer qualified for the prestigious American Cup series next season, which featuring the top speed skaters in the United States, including the U.S. Olympic and World team members.

Key to Awesomeness: LeBauer said he first wanted to start speed skating in 2006 after seeing Apolo Anton Ohno take home golds medals for the United States in the 2002 Winter Olympics. The sport started as a fun way for him to stay conditioned for ski racing — his top sports interest at that time.

Since beginning, LeBauer has excelled in speedskating, racing for the Potomac Speedskating Club and competing in the 500-meter, 1,000-meter and 1,500-meter races.

LeBauer, who trains for the sport year-round, said that he loves how competitive speedskating can be.

“Anything can happen in such a short time,” he said. “The mental aspect is as tough as the endurance aspect.” 

Speedskating will continue to be a part of LeBaur’s future, he said.

“I hope to continue through college,” he said. “Professionally there really isn’t much professional speedskating, but there is the World Cup and I hope to compete in that one day.”

Do you know another kid doing amazing things in the community? Send your nomination for  to sarahbeth@patch.com. 

Editor's note: A previous version of the story did not correctly identify LeBauer's placing as a gold medal. We regret this error.