Chicago-area speed skating stars chase Olympic gold in men's team pursuit

Team USA featuring Glen Ellyn native Ethan Cepuran and Oak Park native Emery Lehman look to build on 2022 bronze medal

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Team USA will be competing for gold in the men's speed skating team pursuit event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, with Chicago-area stars Ethan Cepuran and Emery Lehman leading the charge. The duo were part of the bronze medal-winning team in 2022 and now hold the world record in the event, putting them in prime position to capture the elusive Olympic gold.

Why it matters

Speed skating has long been a point of pride for the Chicago area, with several top athletes hailing from the region. A gold medal in the team pursuit would mark a major achievement for the local community and continue to raise the profile of winter sports in the Midwest.

The details

Cepuran, from Glen Ellyn, and Lehman, from Oak Park, are no strangers to the Olympic stage. Lehman is competing in his fourth Games, while Cepuran is in his second. The pair were part of the bronze medal-winning team pursuit squad in 2022 and have since set the world record in the event. They've also won all three of their team pursuit races on the World Cup circuit this season, putting them in prime position to capture gold in Milan.

  • The men's team pursuit semifinals begin at 7:30 a.m. CT on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • The medal rounds are scheduled to start around 9:40 a.m. CT on the same day.

The players

Ethan Cepuran

A speed skater from Glen Ellyn, Illinois who is competing in his second Olympic Games.

Emery Lehman

A speed skater from Oak Park, Illinois who is competing in his fourth Olympic Games and looking to win his second Olympic medal.

Team USA

The United States speed skating team, which features Cepuran and Lehman as part of the men's team pursuit squad.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This event showcases the strength of Chicago-area speed skating talent on the global stage, with local stars Ethan Cepuran and Emery Lehman leading Team USA's pursuit of elusive Olympic gold in the team pursuit.