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Kearns Today
By the People, for the People
U.S. Skater Casey Dawson Serves Fantasy Football Punishment at Winter Olympics
Dawson carries a pink backpack and foot-shaped phone case as part of a bet lost with friends back home.
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
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U.S. speed skater Casey Dawson is competing in his second Winter Olympics, but he's been spotted carrying some unique accessories - a pink backpack and a foot-shaped phone case. Dawson revealed that these items are part of a punishment he has to serve after losing a fantasy football bet with his friends back home. Despite the quirky accessories, Dawson remains focused on competing in multiple speed skating events at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.
Why it matters
Dawson's punishment highlights the lighter side of the Olympics, where athletes can maintain a sense of humor and camaraderie even at the highest levels of competition. His willingness to embrace the punishment shows his commitment to his friends and demonstrates that the Olympics can be about more than just sports.
The details
Dawson, a 25-year-old speed skater from Kearns, Utah, is competing in his second Winter Olympics. He won a bronze medal in the team pursuit at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. This year, Dawson has been spotted carrying a pink backpack and a foot-shaped phone case, which he revealed are part of a punishment for losing a fantasy football bet with his friends back home. Dawson finds humor in the punishment and continues to compete in multiple speed skating events, including the 1,500m, 5,000m, 10,000m, and team pursuit.
- Dawson competed in the men's 5,000-meter race on Sunday, February 9, 2026, finishing in eighth place after stumbling at the start.
- Dawson will also compete in the 1,500m, 10,000m, and team pursuit events during the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.
The players
Casey Dawson
A 25-year-old speed skater from Kearns, Utah, who is competing in his second Winter Olympics. Dawson won a bronze medal in the team pursuit at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
What they’re saying
“I lost fantasy football back in the States, and I have to live up to the punishment. Fortunate enough to carry around a very flashy backpack and a very flashy phone case.”
— Casey Dawson, U.S. Speed Skater (NBC Sports)
What’s next
Dawson will continue to compete in multiple speed skating events at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, including the 1,500m, 10,000m, and team pursuit.
The takeaway
Dawson's punishment highlights the lighter side of the Olympics, where athletes can maintain a sense of humor and camaraderie even at the highest levels of competition. His willingness to embrace the punishment shows his commitment to his friends and demonstrates that the Olympics can be about more than just sports.
