The excitement is palpable as the U.S. long track speed skating team prepares for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan, set to commence in February 2026. Recently, U.S. Speedskating held the U.S. Olympic Team Trials at the Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where 13 athletes from both the men's and women's teams earned their coveted spots. Among them is Park City’s own Casey Dawson, who is poised to make his second Olympic appearance following a successful debut in Beijing 2022. At the trials, a total of 13 skaters achieved their Olympic dreams, with 25-year-old Dawson standing out as one of the favorites. Dawson not only brings experience from his previous Games, where he secured a bronze medal in the team pursuit event, but he also aims to clinch gold this time around. Alongside teammates Ethan Cepuran and Emery Lehman, Dawson is expected to be a formidable contender in not just the team pursuit but also in the 5000m and 1500m races. The team pursuit trio has been on a winning streak, having dominated all three World Cup team pursuit races this season. Their most notable achievement came during the Salt Lake City World Cup in November, where they set a new world record with a time of 3:32.49, surpassing their previous best. This impressive performance has solidified their status as frontrunners for Olympic gold. Dawson’s journey to the Olympics has been intense. He qualified for the Milan Games during the Heerenveen World Cup in the Netherlands, where he finished sixth in the 10,000m race. This result not only secured his place in the long-distance event but also in the team pursuit race. His success at the trials in Milwaukee has further confirmed his readiness to compete at the highest level. The team trials, which ran from Friday through Monday, were marked by emotional moments as Dawson was supported by family and friends. Wearing shirts emblazoned with his face, his family brought a personal touch to the competitive atmosphere. Dawson expressed his gratitude for their presence, stating, "It means a lot to have my family here, especially after competing in Beijing without them." In addition to Dawson, the U.S. team will include several other talented skaters heading to Milan. Giorgia Birkeland, Mia Manganello, Greta Myers, Sarah Warren, Conor McDermott-Mostowy, Cooper McLeod, and Zach Stoppelmoor are also set to represent Team USA. Each athlete brings unique strengths to the team, promising a competitive edge against international rivals. Dawson believes that the Milan Olympics will provide him with a more fulfilling experience compared to his debut in Beijing, where he lacked the support of loved ones in the stands. "This time, I get to share this incredible experience with my family and friends, and I’m really looking forward to that," he said. He has developed a tradition of packing all his gear into a pink backpack, a light-hearted nod to a less-than-stellar fantasy football season last year. Emery Lehman, another key member of the team, is making his fourth Olympic appearance. At 29, he has had a varied Olympic journey, finishing 11th in the 1500m race in Beijing and achieving a top-10 finish in the 10,000m during the Sochi Games in 2014. His experience will be invaluable as he teams up with Dawson in the pursuit event. Ethan Cepuran, 22, will also compete in the team pursuit. This will be his second Olympic appearance, having previously finished 17th in the 5000m in Beijing. The young skater is stepping into a more prominent role as he replaces Joey Mantia, who retired in 2023. Cepuran’s fresh energy and determination will be crucial for the team’s success. Rising star Jordan Stolz, just 21 years old, will also be competing in Milan. Stolz is already a household name in speed skating, holding the world record for the 1000m and having claimed multiple gold medals at the World Championships. His inclusion in the team further enhances the U.S. squad’s chances of bringing home medals. Salt Lake City’s Erin Jackson, who made history in Beijing as the first Black woman to win an individual speed skating gold medal, will return to the Olympics to defend her title in the 500m. She is also expected to compete in the 1000m, showcasing her versatility and skill. Veteran Brittany Bowe will make her fourth and final Olympic appearance in Milan, competing in the 1000m, 1500m, and team pursuit. Bowe’s experience and leadership will be assets to the younger athletes on the team, as she aims to end her Olympic career on a high note. As the team gears up for the Milan Games, the camaraderie and competitive spirit among the athletes are evident. With a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, Team USA’s long track speed skating squad is poised for an exciting Olympic journey. Fans can follow the team’s progress and cheer them on as they strive to achieve greatness on the world stage.