Kuck, who won Olympic silver in the team pursuit at Vancouver 2010, will compete in the 5,000 metres at the Winter Games in Russia next year after earning the top podium spot in the distance with a time of 6min 19.75sec at the nation's trials in Salt Lake City today.

Although it will be his first time competing in the distance at an Olympics, he has his sights firmly set on the gold medal.

"I'm happy to qualify for the Olympics, it's a big deal," Kuck said.

"I've skated a lot since 2010 so it's different.

"I've done it [competed at an Olympics] once before so hopefully I'll be better prepared this time."

Jilleanne Rookard has been nominated to represent the US in the 3,000m at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics ©Getty Images

Meanwhile, Rookard secured her Winter Olympic nomination in the 3,000m - the distance she placed 12th in at Vancouver 2010 - with a time of 4:09.66 at the trials.

"My 3,000m at the last Olympics was my first Olympic race," she said.

"It just ended up getting better from there; we almost medalled in the team pursuit and that was getting me used to the crowd and setting the stage of what's set to come possibly.

"I've just got to rely on my experience and training.

"Experience is everything."

The nominations are now subject to approval by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).

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