GAYLORD - Gaylord native Mary King has followed her nephew Alex “Izy” Izykowski's speed skating career as closely as she can.

She supported him at many local races while he grew up.

She was there at the U.S. Short Track Speed skating Championships in Marquette last month.

And she'll be there to watch him at the 2006 Olympic Winter games in Torino, Italy.

“I don't just say I'm going to Italy to watch Alex,” King said. “I say that I'm going to watch my nephew represent the United States.”

Izykowski, from Bay City, put forth one of the best performances of his life in Marquette. He placed second in the 1500m, second in the lap time trial and third overall.

For his efforts, the 22-year-old was awarded a spot on the Olympic team, where he will skate alongside his teammate and former roommate, Apolo Ohno.

“It really hasn't set in yet,” Izykowski said. “It's coming a little at a time, but it is something I won't be able to describe until it actually happens.”

And now King and her husband, Gerry, along with seven other members of the close-knit family, will be there to experience it with him.

“For about two or three years, it has been on our mental agenda,” King said. “It was no question. If Alex qualified, we'd be there.”

Izykowski's qualification came a bit earlier than expected, as the 2010 Vancouver Games originally seemed a more realistic goal.

But to know the world of short track speed skating is to know its unpredictability. All of Alex's hard work and determination came to a head on that fateful January day.

“Honestly, I didn't know this was attainable until this season,” Izykowski said. “But I absolutely knew it was a possibility after the first event of our Olympic trials.”

The feeling was shared throughout the Izykowski family, including Alex's father, Alan, who introduced Alex to the sport by recreationally skating with him. Once his career became serious, Alan was there to coach Alex and has been his mentor ever since.

“My dad has done more for me and the sport of speed skating in Michigan than anyone would be able to understand,” Alex said.

Now, Alex's goal is to succeed at the highest of levels. He'll skate in the 1500m on Sunday and will likely skate in the 5000m relay Feb. 15. Four of the five Americans on the team will compete in the relay.

“It has been said that the Olympics is not about winning or losing, but in taking part,” Alex said. “I truly believe that, but also strongly believe that our relay team has a solid chance of medaling.”

And much of his family will be there to see him. The Kings arrive in Italy today (Wednesday) and will attend the Opening Ceremonies Friday. They'll return to Michigan Feb. 16.

There won't be a lot of time for sightseeing, as they are staying in Milan, which is an hour-and-a-half drive from Torino. They have tickets for Alex's events and would also like to see the luge, as they built a homemade luge at their Michaywé home a couple years ago.

Izykowski already has a strong following in his hometown and now, thanks to King, has developed a pocket of fans in Gaylord.

But his most important fans will be alongside him in Italy.

“I'm very glad they'll be able to experience the Olympics with me,” Alex said. “Even though we won't be able to spend much time together, they'll still be there.”

For more Winter Olympics information:

www.torino2006.org

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