91 Days Until The Winter Olympics: U.S. Women’s Speed Skating Team Powers Ahead In Quest For Gold
Fresh off the U.S. Championships Long Track and World Cup Qualifier, the US Women’s Speed Skating team is locked in for the upcoming ISU World Cup circuit, the crucial first step on the long road to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics Women’s Long Track Speed Skating competition begins on February 7.
US Women’s Speed Skating Team is Led by Erin Jackson
A powerful mix of decorated Olympians and hungry rising stars has been assembled, ready to chase glory on the international stage.
Leading the charge is Erin Jackson, the 2022 Olympic Gold Medal winner in the 500m, whose explosive speed continues to set the standard. She is joined by Brittany Bowe, a two-time Olympic bronze medalist whose resume boasts an incredible 88 World Cup podium finishes.
Alongside Jackson and Bowe, a sampling of the current roster includes Giorgia Birkeland, McKenzie Browne, Greta Myers, Chrysta Rands-Evans, Marley Soldan, and Sarah Warren. Each athlete brings a unique strength to the table and a desire to make a name for themselves.
As they embark on this journey together, they carry not just their own ambitions, but the pride of a nation, looking to prove that American speed skating is a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.
The Path to Milano Cortina 2026
With the World Cup long track speed skating roster officially named, the focus for the US Women’s team shifts entirely to the international season and the ultimate goal: Olympic qualification. The system is designed to reward consistent, world-class excellence.
Through the first four World Cup events, skaters will battle for points that determine the number of Olympic spots each country receives. For the athletes, there’s an even greater prize at stake: the chance to pre-qualify for the U.S. Olympic Team.
American speed skaters can secure their Olympic berth early by meeting incredibly demanding criteria. One path requires earning a medal at the 2025 ISU World Single Distances Championships and finishing in the top five at two of the first four World Cups in that same distance. Another route involves finishing in the top three at two of the first four World Cups. Other scenarios also secure a spot on the team.
The season kicks off on home ice at the Utah Olympic Oval in Salt Lake City from November 14-16, giving the American squad a chance to make a statement in front of a home crowd. However, to remain eligible for those coveted Olympic spots, every skater must still compete in their respective distances at the U.S. Olympic Trials that start on January 2, 2026.
Building on a Championship Legacy
The Women’s Speed Skating Team has a solid championship history. The team’s most decorated athlete is Bonnie Blair, who amassed an incredible five gold medals and one bronze across four Olympic Games, famously winning the 500m event at three consecutive Olympics. Here is a list of past gold medal winners:
- Sapporo 1972: Gold for Anne Henning in 500m, and Dianne Holum, 1500m
- Innsbruck 1976: Sheila Young, gold in the 500m
- Calgary 1988: Bonnie Blair, Gold in the 500m
- Albertville 1992: Bonnie Blair, Gold in both the 500m and 1000m
- Lillehammer 1994: Bonnie Blair, Gold in both the 500m and 1000m
- Salt Lake City 2002: Chris Witty, 1000m
- Beijing 2022: Erin Jackson wins gold in the 500m
