updated 11:16 a.m. ET Feb. 7, 2006

Short track sensation Apolo Anton Ohno is an idol of rock-star proportions. Chad Hedrick, a big-talking Texan who was gambling in Las Vegas four years ago, is a relative newcomer to the sport’s traditional format of long track.

Along with Shani Davis, they’re the biggest reasons the Americans should pile up speedskating medals in Turin.

“I know we’re about to dominate the Olympics,” Hedrick said. “I expect some big things out of us. If we don’t leave with three of the five medals in the men’s, I’ll be surprised. The ladies are strong as well.”

Adding to the Americans’ strength is Davis, the first African-American to make a U.S. speedskating team in 2002. He didn’t skate in Salt Lake City, but is poised to become a star in Turin.

“The world has got their hands full with us two,” Hedrick said about himself and Davis.

The speedskating team won 11 medals at the 2002 Winter Games, with the long track skaters earning eight and the short track squad three.

All six U.S. long track medallists — Derek Parra, Jennifer Rodriguez, Chris Witty, Casey FitzRandolph, Joey Cheek and Kip Carpenter — will be in Turin.

APOLO ANTON OHNO (Short track) AP Country: United States Hometown: Seattle Age: 23 Best Olympic finish: Gold MORE ON APOLO ANTON OHNO

“We’re stronger on both teams and our stars are still as good if not better,” U.S. Speedskating president Andy Gabel said. “Ohno is better now than he was then.

“With the addition of Shani Davis and Chad Hedrick in long track, and the addition of the pursuits, I absolutely think we’ll win more medals than we did in Salt Lake.”

Ohno won a gold and a silver four years ago.

A flowing-haired skater with a soul patch on his chin, Ohno’s careening presence on the ice created a sensation among screaming teenage girls and fans who stuck fake hair on their chins.

This time around, Ohno is poised to do as well or better.

“I want to grab some medals,” he said.

CHAD HEDRICK (Speedskating) Country: United States Hometown: Spring, Texas Age: 28 Best Olympic finish: N/A MORE OLYMPIC COVERAGE AP

So does Hedrick.

His goal is to equal Eric Heiden’s 26-year-old record of five golds at one Winter Olympics.

Heiden will be on hand to watch in his role as a doctor who works with the American team.

“Being away from the U.S. will probably help him focus a little more,” Heiden said. “He won’t see so much commotion about what he’s doing.”

Four years ago, Hedrick was hunkered down at a blackjack table in Las Vegas, watching his buddy Parra win gold. Inspired, Hedrick baled out of his native Texas and a lucrative career as a world champion inline skater to train with the national speedskating team in Utah.

His results took the sport by storm. Hedrick has qualified to skate the 1,000, 1,500, 5,000, and 10,000 meters, in which he set the world record in December.

Slide show   U.S. Olympic hopefuls A look at athletes who have the best shot at gold in Turin.

He’ll also be part of team pursuit, a new event where teams of three skaters go eight laps. But he may need Davis’ help for a shot at gold.

“Shani Davis has not committed. That could be a problem,” Hedrick said. “I really think we’ll have a difficult time if he doesn’t skate (the event).”

Davis failed in his bid to make the Olympic short track team, leaving him free to concentrate on his budding rivalry with Hedrick in the 1,000, 1,500 and 5,000.

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