Skating medalist tests her mettle against 18-scoop cone
With a steady hand and an intense focus familiar to fans worldwide, Olympic short-track speed skater Katherine Reutter climbed the step ladder to face her biggest challenge since taking the ice earlier this year in Vancouver.
Armed with a scooper, the 21-year-old Reutter successfully positioned the final heap of Capannari ice cream onto the massive 18-scoop tower and took the first of what would be many licks on Sunday.
"I had absolutely no idea it would be so big," the Champaign native said. "And I definitely never thought I'd be doing anything like this."
About 200 people showed up to the Mount Prospect ice cream parlor to witness the feat, which was inspired by the moments after Reutter won silver in the 1,000 meter race.
The ecstatic Reutter, who had cut her body fat down to 13 percent for the Olympics, told reporters that if anyone in the world could make an 18-scoop ice cream cone, to call her and she'd eat it.
That was the cue for Capannari Ice Cream owner Katie Dolan Dix, who figured Reutter was exaggerating but made a call anyway.
Dix nixed what would have been a much easier pyramid design in favor of the tower. To securely stack the scoops, Capannari workers placed a long, metal rod into a cone. They filled it with hot fudge and placed it in a blast freezer at minus-40 degrees Fahrenheit. Then came the ice cream, one careful scoop at a time.
"Between test runs and nerves, I haven't slept in two days," Dix said.
Reutter used Twitter and Facebook to consult with fans about a signature flavor. Ultimately, she named the strawberry shortcake, coconut and fudge swirl combination Strawberry Short Track, in order highlight the sport she's excelled at for the past 16 years.
Reutter is also a three-time U.S. Champion and won a bronze medal in Vancouver.
While Reutter would never race without a strategy, Sunday proved no different.
"I thought about having a huge dinner last night to really expand my stomach, but I decided to hydrate and eat a light lunch in hopes my metabolism would keep me going," said Reutter, who was presented with a key to the village.
And it worked. Reutter finished - though it did take some help from her friends and some young fans.
The ambitious meal had some in awe, including 12-year-old Veronica Holloway of Mount Prospect. She lined up with others to get an autograph and picture with Reutter.
"I know I sure couldn't eat all that," Holloway said.
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