USOC says Under Armour suits not to blame for results

• U.S. Speedskating won a combined 19 medals in long track speedskating over the last three Olympics
• But the USA has failed to win a medal in the Sochi Games%27 first eight events
• U.S. short track speedskaters have not finished higher than fourth in discipline%27s first four events

SOCHI — The U.S. Olympic Committee pledged to "leave no stone unturned" in reviewing U.S. Speedskating's disappointing performance in the Winter Games and does not believe the controversial Under Armour suits played a role in the team's results, USOC CEO Scott Blackmun said in a statement provided to USA TODAY Sports.

"Given our history of strong performances in speedskating, we are disappointed not to have had a podium finish to date in Sochi. After the Games, we will work side by side with US Speedskating to understand how we might better support our athletes, many of whom have already proven themselves to be great champions," the statement said.

U.S. Speedskating won a combined 19 medals in long track speedskating over the last three Olympics but has failed to win a medal in the Games' first eight events; in addition, U.S. short track speedskaters have failed to finish higher than fourth in the discipline's first four events.

The inexplicable performance of U.S. speedskaters created a controversy out of the new Under Armour suit, called the "Mach 39," which became a convenient scapegoat for U.S. Speedskating's failures. But after switching to suits worn during the recent World Cup season – also designed by Under Armour – U.S. skaters failed to finish higher than seventh in the men's and women's 1,500 meters.

"While we will leave no stone unturned when we analyze Sochi results, based on current information, we do not believe the suits were the problem," said USOC's statement.

While disappointed in the lack of medals, the USOC remains "grateful" to Under Armour and its design partner, Lockheed Martin, for supporting speedskating's national governing body.

Said the statement, "We believe in innovation and it is only through the generosity of US Speedskating partners like Under Armour and Lockheed Martin that a sport like speedskating can innovate."