January 3, 2025 – Milwaukee, Wi – Day 1 of Olympic Trials is in the books and Team USA is starting to take shape. In front of a sold-out crowd at the Pettit National Ice Center, the first member of the long track speedskating team for the 2026 Winter Olympics was announced.
Casey Dawson punched his ticket to the 2026 Winter Olympics Friday night in Milwaukee, skating to a first-place finish in the 5000 meters. His winning time of 6:12.85 capped a steady, confident race that reflected both patience and purpose.
“I just wanted to finish the race,” Dawson said afterward. “I had an overall solid season so far, so I just wanted to skate a flat profile that I knew I could skate pretty consistently and just finish the race and qualify. That was my main goal.”
The moment carries extra weight for Dawson, who knows all too well how fragile Olympic dreams can be. At the 2022 Beijing Games, his experience was shaped by illness and disruption rather than opportunity.
“2022 was a whole lot different,” he said. “I actually got COVID two or three weeks before going to the competition. I tested positive for 50 straight tests, couldn’t go over to the Games, missed opening ceremonies, missed the 5,000 meters, and showed up about 12 hours before my 1,500. I kind of got a little screwed over from that point of view.”
For Dawson’s mother, Tami Dawson, Milan will mark a completely different Olympic experience as well. She was unable to attend the Beijing Games due to pandemic restrictions.
“It definitely holds a big place in my heart,” Tami said. “He’s been doing this for so long and he’s loved it for so long. But representing Team USA gives me a ton of pride. Watching KC and his teammates, the way they represent themselves, gives us so much pride because the way they present themselves every day in training and in life is how I would want Team USA to be represented.”
Tami said the character of the current U.S. speedskating team stands out just as much as the results.
“They’re a great group of boys and girls,” she said. “They’re respectful, they can talk one-on-one with adults, and their work ethic is incredible. They show up on time, they appreciate the opportunities in front of them.”
Dawson’s Olympic path began long before podium finishes and World Cup medals. Tami remembers the moment he first asked to try the sport.
“I remember when he said he wanted me to sign him up for speed skating,” she said. “His little face was just like, ‘Mom, sign me up.’ I thought it was just another sport. He was the third of three boys and I figured he’d want to try 10 more after that. But he never looked back.”
Dawson started speed skating at age 11 in Park City, Utah, and from the beginning, his mindset was grounded.
“He was never one of those kids who said, ‘I’m going to be an Olympian,’” Tami said. “He just said, ‘I’m going to do my best. And if I’m not having fun, I’m not going to keep doing it.’ And he’s enjoyed every moment.”
Now healthier and stronger, Dawson sees Milan as a chance to rewrite the script.
“This time around, I’m just looking forward to getting there smoothly,” he said. “It’s kind of fun to have my villain arc, I would call it, just coming back and having some fun.”
Dawson’s confidence is rooted not just in Friday’s result, but in a season that has quietly placed him among the world’s elite. He recently captured a World Cup gold medal in the 5,000 meters, a milestone for U.S. men’s distance skating.
“That was the first medal in a 5K in probably 15-plus years,” Dawson said. “So, I’m just happy to be on the stage and competing against top guys. The whole world is so fast right now, and to be at that level is super exciting for me.”
Looking ahead to February in Italy, Dawson is focused less on conditions and more on readiness.
“I’ve heard the ice in Milan sounds different because it’s a temporary system,” he said. “But when it comes time to race, you don’t really think about the ice. You think about how you’re feeling that day and what your body can handle.”
Dawson will race once more on the World Cup circuit before the Olympic Games, using the stop in Inzell as preparation rather than a peak performance.
“It’s really just a preparatory race,” Dawson said. “I might not even skate the 5K. I really just want to use the time to rest and get ready for the main stage.”
That “main stage” includes multiple events. Dawson has already secured a spot in the team pursuit and now adds the 5,000 meters to his Olympic slate.
“I always like the team pursuit with the boys,” he said. “There’s a lot of pride going to the line together. But the 5K is special too. I’m trying to prove myself on the individual stage.”
As one of only five Americans in the past 20 years to break the national record in the 5,000 meters, Dawson sees Milan as both a challenge and an opportunity.
“I’m just trying to keep that momentum going forward and have fun doing it,” he said.
Above all, the Olympic moment itself still carries wonder.
“It’s a dream of mine,” Dawson said. “When I was a kid, I always looked at Olympians as superheroes. I can’t really believe that when I was 10 years old, I’d be going to one Games, let alone two. I’m super excited to be representing USA again, wearing the flag proud, and competing against the best in the world.”
February can’t come soon enough.
In the women’s 3000m Greta Myers took first place with a time of 4:06.799.
Myers has yet to qualify for one of the six Olympic spots on Team USA. She will race again this weekend in the 1000m, 1500m, and Mass Start.
Piper Yde had a strong 3rd place finish in the 3000m. Her time of 4:27.426 earned her a bronze.
Yde and Myers skate in the 1000m on Saturday afternoon. Gates open at 2 p.m. and skating begins at 3 p.m.
January 2, 2025 – Milwaukee, Wi – A big weekend on tap for the Pettit National Ice Center and Team USA as the Olympic Trials are this weekend, January 2-5, 2026. Doors opened at 4 p.m. and skating begins at 5:30 p.m. today. Start times vary the rest of the weekend.
Speedskater Jordan Stolz from the Town of Wayne is slated to skate Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. He will skate in the 500m, 1000m, 1500m, and Mass Start.
A couple side notes;
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8 men and 6 women will qualify for Team USA and participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
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Jordan Stolz has already pre-qualified for the 500m, 1000m, 1500m, and Mass Start. He still needs to toe the line at the Olympic Trials this weekend and will be recognized as a member of Team USA during a post-race ceremony at the Pettit.
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The new 2026 Winter Olympic uniforms will be unveiled January 9, 2026. Watch for an update at WashingtonCountyInsider.com
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Early prediction – watch for Casey Dawson to qualify for the 5000m. His personal best is 6:04.40. Dawson skates in the third pairing this afternoon.
- Click HERE to follow along with the START LISTS through the weekend Olympic Trials
Click HEREto access data on 3000m U.S. Speedskaating
– Jordan Stolz coach Bob Corby said “The 4 world cups in the beginning of the year are Olympic Game qualifiers meaning they will determine start positions, not just the number of starters.
– Training is intense – Coach Corby and 5-time Olympic gold medalist Eric Heiden both said it is the reason “most people can’t cut it at this level.”
-Training during the Olympic year is always harder. “Everyone came in a little leaner this year,” said Corby. “Jordan is in good shape and the program will only get harder.”
-Training includes 12 workouts a week. About 25-30 hours and 1 rest day. “And it’s getting harder. People have no idea,” said Corby.
-According to Corby, “skaters typically peak about age 24-29 so Jordan is way ahead of the curve.”
www.nbcsports.com
Below is a previous article regarding the Olympic Trials and Speedskater Jordan Stolz.
Kewaskum, WI – US Speedskating announced the 2026 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Long Track will be held at the Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on January 2-5, 2026.
That means speedskating favorite and current world record holder Jordan Stolz will be looking to qualify in front of hometown fans. “Last Olympic trials were so different, with a lot of restrictions still in place. Having Olympic trials this year with a full crowd from my home state, with my family and friends all there will be amazing,” he said.
Stolz has dominated the international competition for the past three years, and he continues to train at the Pettit in Milwaukee.
Stolz is the current World Record holder in the 1000m and 7x World Champion, he looks to return to the Olympics for the second time as a medal favorite.
This Olympic Trails will be a unique opportunity for community members to cheer on Team USA as their Olympic dreams become reality.
Ticketing for the event will open to the public in early October.
Top skaters from around the nation will compete for spots to represent Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, taking place a month later in Milan, Italy.
“We are incredibly excited to have the city of Milwaukee and the Pettit National Ice Center host the 2026 U.S. Olympic Trials – Long Track Speedskating,” said Ted Morris, Executive Director for USS.
“This marks the 3rd consecutive Olympic Trials held at the Pettit. Over the last two Olympic Trials, we had a sold-out venue, incredible enthusiasm from the local community, and exciting racing from the skaters. We look forward to similar success next January.”
The Pettit National Ice Center (PNIC) has been a dedicated training site for speed skating in the country since it opened in 1992. The venue was the site of the 2018 & 2022 U.S. Olympic Speed Skating Team Trials, several World Cup qualifying events, and an ISU World Cup in 2025. The center is also a significant community asset, hosting more than 425,000 visitors annually for ice skating, figure skating, hockey, and other sport activities.
“We’re honored to welcome the nation’s top speed skaters and fans back again to the Pettit for the 2026 US Olympic Trials Long Track,” said Paul Golomski, General Manager of the PNIC.
“Hosting this event for the third consecutive Olympic cycle is a testament to the passion of our community, the dedication of our staff and volunteers, and the world-class legacy of our facility. There’s nothing quite like the energy in this building when Olympic dreams are on the line, and we can’t wait to share that excitement with Milwaukee and the entire country.”
At the ISU World Cup in 2025, the PNIC welcomed thousands of spectators to watch the international competition. U.S. skaters ruled on home ice, taking home 10 medals in front of the Milwaukee crowd. Ticketing for the event will open to the public in early October.
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About US Speedskating
US Speedskating athletes have won 91 Olympic medals, making it one of the most successful sports in U.S. Olympic history. The organization sets the stage for success by providing support, from local clubs to Olympic teams, and nurtures an atmosphere that encourages growth in the speed skating community. USS is recognized as the governing body for the sport of speed skating in the United States and is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
About Pettit National Ice Center
The Pettit National Ice Center is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization that supports the development and health benefits of skating among people of all ages and abilities. The Pettit Center actively promotes to the general public, young and old, the mental and physical rewards of recreational skating. As one of only two indoor Speedskating Ovals in the United States, the Center also helps prepare amateur athletes for local, regional, national and international competition in speed skating.
