Enthusiasm bubbles out of Katherine Reutter. Combine that with the mental toughness and nonstop work ethic that pleases coaches and there's little wonder why Reutter is one of the United States' most promising short track speedskaters.

Yet, as much as Reutter has made a name for herself inside the sport, it was an appearance on Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" that has brought the Champaign, Ill., native into a spotlight that could only be brightened by a medal in the upcoming Winter Olympic Games.

On the show in December to talk speedskating, to the delight of the studio audience and surprise to a momentarily stunned show host, Reutter had Colbert sign her leg with a Sharpie.

"I hadn't planned it at all," she said. "I brought his book to sign. My agent said, 'You should have him sign you.' "

The signature lasted three days. Massage oil finally dissolved the autograph.

The resulting fame has not faded. It's nearly become as fun as the piece of dark chocolate that Reutter allows herself each day as a reward for hard work.

"There has been tons of comment, mostly positive," Reutter said. "Some of it has been on the creepy side."

This included a request on Facebook to show her bare feet on a webcam.

"OK, delete Facebook account," said Reutter with a laugh. "There's been so much positive coverage. [Colbert] has pinpointed us into a specific group. Followers of the 'Colbert Report' actually know about speedskating. They can relate to us."

Colbert's surprise involvement with the U.S. Olympic team has been more than a comedy act, though he doesn't shy away from a comedic approach. When interviewing Reutter, he said, "Let's trash the Summer Games. ... How easy is it to swim through water? You run on top of water with samurai swords strapped to your feet."

Colbert asked his "Colbert Nation" to donate to the speedskating program when Dutch Bank DSB, which had a $300,000 sponsorship, went bankrupt in October. As of late December, the Nation had donated more than $200,000.

The members of the U.S. team are grateful, as well as enjoying the limelight.

"My friends ask, 'Oh my gosh, do you know Katherine Reutter,' " roommate Alyson Dudek said. " 'Yes, actually. We're quite good friends.'

"People thought that Colbert sponsoring us would turn the sport into a joke. That has never happened."

Instead, the team has been given a lift into February's Vancouver Games.

For Reutter, winner of the 1,500 meters World Cup competition in November, her goals for the Olympics are about effort and not medals.

"I want to step off the ice feeling like I've got nothing else to give," she said. "I want to go out and know that I tried everything I could do."

Medals, and more autographs, should follow.

martyr@sltrib.com