Rodriguez skates from curiosity to contender.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

Jennifer Rodriguez is no longer considered a winter wonder at the Olympics.

She is considered a medal contender.

Rodriguez, the Miamian who was a clumsy speedskating novice just five and a half years ago, is now as respected on the ice as she was as a champion roller and in-line skater.

At the 1998 Nagano Games she stunned herself, her coaches and her opponents with a fourth-place finish in the 3,000 meters, plus eighth, 10th and 13th place finishes in three other races. She was the only skater competing in four events.

In Salt Lake City, she'll again be the most versatile skater in the women's competition, racing in the 3,000 first, then …