U.S. Olympic speed skating team heads to Milan with Stolz and Jackson leading

After four days of trials in Milwaukee, the U.S. named a 13-skater speed skating team for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, led by Jordan Stolz and Erin Jackson. The group mixes veterans such as Brittany Bowe with several first-time Olympians and includes a strong team pursuit unit that set a world record late last year.

The U.S. speed skating team was finalized after four days of trials in Milwaukee and will compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. The 13-skater roster is described as one of the Americans' strongest teams in years and is headlined by Jordan Stolz and Erin Jackson. The group combines seasoned competitors returning for multiple Games with several first-time Olympians and specialist nominations. Trials featured a mix of drama-free qualifying performances and a few notable moments, including a momentary fall by Stolz and a disqualification followed by a re-skate for one athlete. Key facts: - Thirteen skaters were named to the U.S. Olympic speed skating team following the Milwaukee trials. - Jordan Stolz is pre-qualified for the Games and arrives with multiple world championships in the 500, 1,000 and 1,500, plus a World Cup mass-start victory. - Erin Jackson led the field in the 500 at the trials with a time of 38.158 seconds and had pre-qualified under a new rule implemented after 2022. - Brittany Bowe, 37, will make her fourth Olympics and is a two-time Olympic bronze medalist (1,000 in 2022 and team pursuit in 2018). - Emery Lehman, Casey Dawson and Cepuran were part of a U.S. team pursuit unit that set a world record in November and had won bronze in the event at the 2022 Olympics. - Several skaters will make their first Olympic appearance, including Birkeland (nominated as a team pursuit specialist), McDermott-Mostowy, McLeod, Warren, and Myers; Warren reported a history of nine knee surgeries and one ankle surgery. Summary: The selected roster gives the U.S. a chance at its largest Olympic medal haul in speed skating since 2006, according to the reporting. The team will travel to Milan to compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics next month, with veteran leaders and newly qualified skaters both included on the roster.