He didn't set any worlds records in 1996-97 but Kevin Overland of Kitchener, Ont., certainly established himself as a serious Olympic medal contender with a solid second half. Overland, 23, won his first World Cup medal placing second in a 1,000 metre event after a brilliant sixth place finish overall at the world sprint championships. The Kitchener, Ont., native admits he's struggled determining whether to focus his energy on the 500 or 1,000 metres
  "That medal in the 1,000 was a big relief," said Overland, a former world record holder in the 1,000 at 1:12.19, still the Canadian mark. "I'd been switching my focus between the 500 and 1,000. But that was good because my 500 has greatly improved. I had dropped in the 1,000 but I showed I can get it back. I'm on an upward swing and it's been getting better and better. Everytime I stepped on the ice it seemed like everything clicked. Confidence is a big factor as well as sticking to the race plan right down to the last detail."
  Like several members of the men's team, Overland has frustrated speed skating fans with inconsistent performances. But when he's "on", there is chance he could bring home an Olympic medal.