US Speedskater Brittany Bowe Retires After Final Olympic Appearance

Bowe's fiancée Hilary Knight, a gold medalist in women's hockey, watched from the stands.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Brittany Bowe, the American speedskater, took one final lap around the Olympic speedskating rink in Milan on Friday, marking the end of her Olympic career. Bowe was accompanied by U.S. Speedskating coach Ryan Shimabukuro, while her fiancée Hilary Knight, the captain of the U.S. women's hockey team and a gold medalist, watched from the stands.

Why it matters

Bowe's retirement from the Olympics marks the end of an era for American speedskating. As one of the country's top skaters, her departure leaves a void that will need to be filled by the next generation of talent. Bowe's relationship with fellow Olympian Hilary Knight also highlights the growing acceptance of LGBTQ athletes in professional sports.

The details

Brittany Bowe, a three-time Olympian, took her final lap around the speedskating rink in Milan on Friday, officially retiring from Olympic competition. Bowe was accompanied by her coach, Ryan Shimabukuro, as she completed the lap. In the stands, Bowe's fiancée, Hilary Knight, the captain of the U.S. women's hockey team and a gold medalist, watched the emotional moment.

  • Brittany Bowe took her final Olympic lap on Friday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Brittany Bowe

A three-time Olympian and one of the top American speedskaters, who is retiring from Olympic competition.

Hilary Knight

The captain of the U.S. women's hockey team and a gold medalist, who is the fiancée of Brittany Bowe.

Ryan Shimabukuro

The U.S. Speedskating coach who accompanied Brittany Bowe on her final Olympic lap.

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What they’re saying

“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

Brittany Bowe's retirement from the Olympics marks the end of an era for American speedskating, as one of the country's top skaters departs the sport. Her relationship with fellow Olympian Hilary Knight also highlights the growing acceptance of LGBTQ athletes in professional sports.