CT Speedskater Seeks Redemption in Final Olympic Event

Kristen Santos-Griswold has one last chance at an Olympic medal after a disappointing start to the 2026 Winter Games.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Short track speed skater Kristen Santos-Griswold, a native of Fairfield, Connecticut, has struggled in the first two weeks of competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Beijing. After narrowly missing a medal in 2022, she has one final opportunity to reach the podium in the 1,500 meters event on Friday.

Why it matters

Santos-Griswold was the top-ranked speed skater in the world last year, raising expectations for her performance at the Olympics. Her struggles so far have been a disappointment, but a medal in the 1,500 meters could redeem her Olympic campaign and cement her legacy as one of the best American speed skaters in recent history.

The details

Santos-Griswold, 31, had a heartbreaking finish in the 1,000 meters at the 2022 Olympics, when she was in third place entering the final lap before being taken out from behind. She has continued to struggle in Beijing, failing to advance out of the quarterfinals in the 1,000 meters and finishing fourth in the B final of the 500 meters. The 1,500 meters on Friday represents her last chance to win an Olympic medal.

  • The 1,500 meters quarterfinals will take place at 2:15 p.m. on Friday, February 21, 2026.
  • The 1,500 meters finals will be held at 4:07 p.m. on Friday, February 21, 2026.

The players

Kristen Santos-Griswold

A 31-year-old short track speed skater from Fairfield, Connecticut, who is competing in her second Olympics. She was the top-ranked speed skater in the world in 2025 and is seeking her first Olympic medal.

Arianna Fontana

An Italian short track speed skater who took out Santos-Griswold from behind in the final lap of the 1,000 meters event at the 2022 Olympics, causing Santos-Griswold to finish fourth.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I had to really sit there and think, if in four years the same thing happens again, would that be worth it? Obviously, I'm here. So I did decide that it would be.”

— Kristen Santos-Griswold (Yahoo! Sports)

“I think I'll have to talk to my coaches and figure out maybe a different plan, and how I'm going to capitalize on the race at the end more. You can never really predict what anyone's going to do, so it's just what it is.”

— Kristen Santos-Griswold (Yahoo! Sports)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.