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The Lunda Family: Madison’s Quiet Powerhouse Behind Two Rising Speed‑Skating Stars 

In the leafy suburbs of Madison, Wisconsin, the name “Lunda” is synonymous with dedication, community spirit, and a love of the ice that runs in the family’s blood. John Lunda, a civil‑engineer turned small‑business owner, has spent the past three decades turning a modest garage‑sized rink in the family’s backyard into a hub for local youth athletics. It was there, under the watchful eye of a father who prized discipline as much as fun, that his twin daughters—Kay and Kelly—first strapped on their speed‑skating blades.

From the moment they cut their first 400‑meter lap, the twins displayed a natural affinity for the sport’s blend of explosive power and razor‑sharp technique. By the time they entered the Wisconsin Speed Skating Association’s junior ranks, Kay had already posted a sub‑38‑second time in the 500‑meter sprint, while Kelly’s smooth cornering earned her a reputation as the “steady hand” of the duo.

Together, they have claimed three state titles and represented Madison at the U.S. Junior Speed Skating Championships, where Kelly’s silver in the 1000‑meter and Kay’s bronze in the 500‑meter marked the first national medals ever earned by siblings from the Madison area. Off the ice, the Lunda family remains a fixture in the community: John volunteers as a rink maintenance mentor, while Kay and Kelly lead “Skate‑Learn” clinics for elementary‑school kids, hoping to spark the same spark that first lit their own passion. In a city known for its rowing and cycling, the Lunda family has quietly carved a niche for speed skating, proving that with a supportive home base and relentless work ethic, even the smallest of backyard rinks can launch athletes onto the national stage.