U.S. Chases Golden Sweep in Team Pursuit at Milan Cortina Olympics

The U.S. boasts experienced trios poised to end the country's Olympic medal drought in the team pursuit events.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The United States has never won a team pursuit race, men's or women's, on the Olympic level. But this year, the U.S. boasts two trios loaded with Olympic experience and a proven ability to reach the podium. The women's team earned bronze in 2018, while the men's team did the same in Beijing in 2022. With three of the skaters planning to retire at the end of this season, there's extra motivation to capture gold in Milan.

Why it matters

The U.S. has developed a new team pursuit strategy that has catapulted the country's program to the top of both the men's and women's fields. A golden sweep would mark a historic achievement for the U.S. speed skating program.

The details

The U.S. men's team, featuring Emery Lehman, Casey Dawson, and Ethan Cepuran, has dominated the World Cup circuit in recent years, breaking the world record twice. The women's team, led by Brittany Bowe and Mia Manganello, has also been a force, securing two medals in three races this season. Both trios will look to cap their Olympic careers with gold medals.

  • The team pursuit events will take place on February 17, 2026.
  • The men's semifinals will be followed by the women's semifinals, men's finals, and women's finals.

The players

Emery Lehman

A member of the U.S. men's team pursuit trio who plans to retire after this season.

Brittany Bowe

A member of the U.S. women's team pursuit trio who plans to retire after this season.

Mia Manganello

A member of the U.S. women's team pursuit trio who plans to retire after this season.

Casey Dawson

A member of the U.S. men's team pursuit trio.

Ethan Cepuran

A member of the U.S. men's team pursuit trio.

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What’s next

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The takeaway

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