2026 US Olympic Trials

This was the main goal I’ve been thinking about for the past 12+ months.

March 2025 at AmCup in SLC, my goal was to qualify for Olympic trials, and I did. Had I not, I don’t know if I would have been able to qualify in time and participate this year.

All summer & fall I was preparing to be my best for this when this time came. Cycling, running, inlining, hockey, lifting, plyometrics were all a part of the equation. In hindsight, I could’ve spent more time lifting and doing more dryland plyometrics, but I wanted to follow my interests while building up a better aerobic base going into winter. I also took comfort in knowing that by building aerobically I wouldn’t sacrifice anaerobic ability for sprinting on the ice.

I didn’t rush into skating this winter, patiently waiting for ice at Roseville before lacing on my skates. That had its pros and cons, but I felt not forcing myself onto the long track ice would set me up for better quality workouts once ice was in for the winter.

I went to Mke twice to skate the 1500m and try to qualify for olympic Trials in that distance. Both times I received slow ice and not my best skating. It’s the biggest puzzle of a distance that would have been fun to skate at Olympic trials, but in reality, am glad I didn’t and could put all my energy towards the 500m & 1000m.

At Trials, I didn’t skate well in the 1000m, leaving a bad taste in my mouth and wanting redemption. It was my first indoor 1000m this year, and I tried to do more than I needed too when I could’ve skated smooth and more relaxed. The nerve-racking experience of it being my first race of Olympic trials and the anticipation got the best of me. I plan to make up for it this spring in SLC.

The 500m’s went well, even skating a new 500m best. Having faster skaters than use in your pair makes you skate faster, and it was really cool to be paired with skaters who you’ve looked up to, knowing now that you belong on the ice with them. I want to use this momentum the rest of the season, directed towards the 1000m & 1500m.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me, coached me, and cheered me on throughout this journey. I am not sure where I am heading in speedskating next, but the effort so far has been 100% worth it.

“Life is about being secure in giving your all, regardless of where that puts you. Those who are insecure worry about proving their worth.” -Steve Magness