Japan's Kato wins 500 at World Cup meet

Japan's Kato wins 500 at World Cup meet

HEERENVEEN, Netherlands - Former world record holder Joji Kato celebrates at the awards ceremony after winning the men's 500 meters at a World Cup speed skating meet for his first victory of the season on Nov. 14, 2009. Kato crossed the line in 34.98 seconds, taking a big step forward in his bid to book a spot in next February's Vancouver Winter Olympics, followed by Dutchman Jan Smeekens (35.02) and Lee Kang Seok of South Korea (35.13).

Japan's Kato wins 500 at World Cup meet

Japan's Kato wins 500 at World Cup meet

HEERENVEEN, Netherlands - Former world record holder Joji Kato skates to win the men's 500 meters at a World Cup speed skating meet for his first victory of the season on Nov. 14, 2009. Kato crossed the line in 34.98 seconds, taking a big step forward in his bid to book a spot in next February's Vancouver Winter Olympics, followed by Dutchman Jan Smeekens (35.02) and Lee Kang Seok of South Korea (35.13).

Japan's Kato wins 500 at World Cup meet

Japan's Kato wins 500 at World Cup meet

HEERENVEEN, Netherlands - Former world record holder Joji Kato skates to win the men's 500 meters at a World Cup speed skating meet for his first victory of the season on Nov. 14, 2009. Kato crossed the line in 34.98 seconds, taking a big step forward in his bid to book a spot in next February's Vancouver Winter Olympics, followed by Dutchman Jan Smeekens (35.02) and Lee Kang Seok of South Korea (35.13).

Nagashima comes 3rd in season-opening World Cup 500 meters

Nagashima comes 3rd in season-opening World Cup 500 meters

BERLIN, Germany - Japan's Keiichiro Nagashima competes during the men's 500-meter race at the Speed Skating World Cup in Berlin on Nov. 6, 2009. Nagashima clocked 35.13 seconds to place third.

Japan's Kato wins 500 at World Cup meet

Japan's Kato wins 500 at World Cup meet

HEERENVEEN, Netherlands - Former world record holder Joji Kato celebrates at the awards ceremony after winning the men's 500 meters at a World Cup speed skating meet for his first victory of the season on Nov. 14, 2009. Kato crossed the line in 34.98 seconds, taking a big step forward in his bid to book a spot in next February's Vancouver Winter Olympics, followed by Dutchman Jan Smeekens (35.02) and Lee Kang Seok of South Korea (35.13). (Kyodo)

Japan's Kato wins 500 at World Cup meet

Japan's Kato wins 500 at World Cup meet

HEERENVEEN, Netherlands - Former world record holder Joji Kato skates to win the men's 500 meters at a World Cup speed skating meet for his first victory of the season on Nov. 14, 2009. Kato crossed the line in 34.98 seconds, taking a big step forward in his bid to book a spot in next February's Vancouver Winter Olympics, followed by Dutchman Jan Smeekens (35.02) and Lee Kang Seok of South Korea (35.13). (Kyodo)

Japan's Kato wins 500 at World Cup meet

Japan's Kato wins 500 at World Cup meet

HEERENVEEN, Netherlands - Former world record holder Joji Kato skates to win the men's 500 meters at a World Cup speed skating meet for his first victory of the season on Nov. 14, 2009. Kato crossed the line in 34.98 seconds, taking a big step forward in his bid to book a spot in next February's Vancouver Winter Olympics, followed by Dutchman Jan Smeekens (35.02) and Lee Kang Seok of South Korea (35.13). (Kyodo)

Nagashima comes 3rd in season-opening World Cup 500 meters

Nagashima comes 3rd in season-opening World Cup 500 meters

BERLIN, Germany - Japan's Keiichiro Nagashima competes during the men's 500-meter race at the Speed Skating World Cup in Berlin on Nov. 6, 2009. Nagashima clocked 35.13 seconds to place third. (Kyodo)