With the world watching and the pressure on, Casey Dawson—Team USA’s 25-year-old speed skating sensation from Utah—took center stage at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium on Sunday, February 8, for the men’s 5,000 meter event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. It was a day filled with anticipation, redemption, and, in Dawson’s case, a little bit of pink flair.
Dawson, known as much for his competitive fire as for the whimsical pink backpack he carries, entered the race with high hopes and a resume that already boasted a bronze medal in the team pursuit at the 2022 Beijing Games. But on this brisk Italian morning, the spotlight was firmly on him as he aimed to put past Olympic frustrations behind and carve out his own legacy in the 5,000m—an event where Team USA hasn’t reached the podium since 2006.
“Last Olympics was kind of a trial run for me, and the whole COVID-19 pandemic tainted the experience,” Dawson reflected during a Team USA news conference on February 4. His words echoed the sense of unfinished business that fueled his preparation for Milano-Cortina. The pandemic’s shadow over Beijing left him hungry for a true Olympic moment, and he was determined to seize it in Italy.
The race itself was a rollercoaster. Dawson, paired with Italy’s Davide Ghiotto in the eighth of ten groups, stumbled at the start—an agonizing moment for any athlete on such a grand stage. “It happens,” Dawson told reporters with a wry smile. “On the big stage, there are a lot of nerves.” Despite the early setback, he clawed back, picking up speed after the fifth lap. His first six splits were ranked ninth or lower, but then he surged, posting four consecutive splits inside the top seven. Still, the deficit was too much. He crossed the finish line in 6:11.88, about 2.25 seconds behind Ghiotto, and secured eighth place overall.
Norway’s Sander Eitrem delivered a jaw-dropping performance, winning gold with an Olympic record of 6:03.95—nearly five seconds faster than the previous mark. Czechia’s Metodej Jilek claimed silver with 6:06.48, while Italy’s Riccardo Lorello snatched bronze in 6:09.22, just edging out Ghiotto by 0.35 seconds. Eitrem’s record-setting run was particularly impressive, coming just two weeks after he became the first person to break the six-minute barrier in the 5,000m.
For Dawson, the finish was bittersweet. He had hoped for a medal, but his attitude remained upbeat. “It’s awesome to be here,” he said, emphasizing the honor of representing the United States on such a stage. He also offered candid insight into the unique challenges of this Olympic cycle. The temporary track at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium, built specifically for the Games, presented unpredictable ice conditions. “It’s going to be a little bit hard to control the ice temperature because everyone in the stands is going to warm up the building,” Dawson explained. “So it’s definitely hard. So you just kind of have to believe in your skating, trust your skating.”
Adding a touch of levity to the proceedings was Dawson’s now-famous pink backpack, adorned with hearts—a penalty for finishing last in a fantasy football league with 11 other skaters. “Whoever loses has to carry this around for the year,” Dawson revealed in a pre-Games video, showing off not just the backpack but also a fake foot phone case. Speaking to the Associated Press, he said, “It keeps me humble. It keeps me grounded. It puts a smile on my face every time I see it. It’s kind of ridiculous, but it’s fun. It keeps everything fun and light-hearted.”
Dawson’s journey to Milan wasn’t just about redemption from Beijing; it was also about building on a strong 2025-26 World Cup season. He captured a victory in the 500m at Calgary and notched two fourth-place finishes and one eighth-place result in other World Cup events. This consistency across multiple distances highlights his versatility and determination to compete at the highest level. His schedule at these Games is packed, with entries in the 1,500m, 10,000m, and team pursuit still to come.
The presence of United States Vice President J.D. Vance in the stands underscored the significance of the event for Team USA. As the action unfolded, the atmosphere in Milan was electric, with fans from around the globe and a palpable sense of national pride.
Beyond the rink, Dawson’s story resonates with broader themes of resilience and hope. The Milano-Cortina Olympics, set against a backdrop of global uncertainty and recovery from the pandemic, have become a stage for athletes to showcase not just their physical prowess but their ability to overcome adversity. For Dawson, the Games are a chance to inspire and to be part of a larger narrative about perseverance in the face of setbacks.
There’s also a ripple effect beyond sports. Strong performances by athletes like Dawson can boost interest in winter sports across the United States, encouraging youth participation and energizing local economies that support training facilities and sponsorships. In countries like the UK, Canada, and even Australia, the impact of such stories can lead to increased viewership, renewed investment, and a broader cultural appreciation for the discipline and grit required at the Olympic level.
As for what’s next, all eyes remain on Dawson’s upcoming events. After his eighth-place finish in the 5,000m, he’ll have more opportunities to chase Olympic glory in the 1,500m, 10,000m, and team pursuit. And who knows? With his trademark pink backpack in tow, maybe his best moment is still to come.
For now, the story of Casey Dawson at the 2026 Winter Olympics is one of perseverance, humor, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The action in Milan is far from over, and Dawson’s journey continues to capture the imagination of fans at home and abroad.