In a strategic move that has reshaped the American speedskating lineup at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, Team USA's Casey Dawson has officially withdrawn from the men's 10,000-meter competition. The decision, announced mere hours before the event was set to commence on Friday, means the longest distance race in Olympic speedskating will proceed without a United States representative.
Dawson, who had been the sole American entrant in the 10,000 meters, made the calculated choice to redirect his focus toward two other medal opportunities on his Olympic schedule. The 24-year-old skater will now concentrate his efforts on the team pursuit event, which begins its quarterfinal round on Sunday, and the individual 1,500-meter race scheduled for next Thursday. This reallocation of resources demonstrates the complex decision-making process Olympic athletes face when balancing multiple competitions within a compressed timeframe.
The announcement from U.S. Speedskating emphasized that this withdrawal was not a last-minute impulse but rather a strategic option that had been under consideration throughout the team's Olympic preparation. Such flexibility is crucial in winter sports, where ice conditions, athlete recovery, and competitive landscapes can shift rapidly during the Games. The organization's statement highlighted that athlete welfare and medal potential are paramount in these decisions.
Gabe Girard, head coach of the U.S. speedskating team, provided insight into the decision-making process. In his statement, Girard noted that Dawson's withdrawal "does not come as a surprise and always was a part of the options coming" for the Winter Games. This comment reveals the level of advanced planning that goes into Olympic participation, where athletes and coaches develop multiple scenarios and contingency plans long before arriving at the host city.
Dawson's recent performance at these Olympics likely influenced this strategic pivot. In the men's 5,000 meters last weekend, he secured an eighth-place finish—a respectable result but perhaps not what he had hoped for in terms of medal contention. The 10,000 meters, being double the distance, presents even greater physical challenges and requires specialized endurance training. By stepping away from this event, Dawson can preserve his energy and mental focus for the team pursuit and the 1,500 meters.
The absence of an American competitor in the men's 10,000 meters continues a concerning trend for U.S. speedskating in long-distance events. The United States boasts a glorious but increasingly distant history in this discipline, with the legendary Eric Heiden standing as the last American to claim gold in the 10,000 meters. Heiden's remarkable achievement came at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics, where he swept all five speedskating events—an unprecedented feat that cemented his status as one of the greatest Winter Olympians of all time.
Since Heiden's dominance, American success in the 10,000 meters has been scarce. The only other podium finish for the United States in recent decades came from Chad Hedrick, who captured a silver medal at the 2006 Turin Games. Hedrick's performance remains the sole American medal in this event in the 21st century, highlighting the growing gap between the U.S. and traditional speedskating powerhouses.
The international field for Friday's 10,000-meter race features several formidable athletes capable of delivering spectacular performances. Leading the pack of contenders is Norway's Sander Eitrem, who has already established himself as the skater to beat at these Games. Eitrem claimed gold in the 5,000 meters earlier in the competition, setting a blistering Olympic record time that demonstrated his exceptional form and endurance.
Adding to the excitement is Italy's Davide Giotto, who will compete before a passionate home crowd in Milan. Giotto enters the event as the world record holder, having shattered the 10,000-meter mark in January 2025 with an astonishing time of 12 minutes, 25.69 seconds. The Italian skater also brings Olympic experience to the starting line, having won bronze in this very event at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
Dawson's decision to withdraw reflects a broader strategic philosophy that has become increasingly prevalent in modern Olympic competition. Athletes and their support teams must constantly evaluate the cost-benefit ratio of each event entry, considering factors such as physical recovery time, mental preparation, and realistic medal prospects. The 10,000 meters, while prestigious, demands an enormous energy expenditure that could compromise performance in subsequent events.
The team pursuit event, in particular, requires a different skill set than individual distance racing. Success depends on seamless teamwork, aerodynamic positioning, and collective strategy. The U.S. team will need Dawson at his best for Sunday's quarterfinals, where they will face tough international competition in a knockout format. A fresh and focused Dawson could be the difference-maker in advancing to the medal rounds.
Similarly, the 1,500 meters represents what many consider the most strategically complex distance in speedskating. Often called "the queen's race" for its blend of speed and endurance, this event may play to Dawson's strengths more effectively than the grueling 10,000 meters. With the competition scheduled for next Thursday, Dawson will have adequate recovery time to prepare for what could be his best medal opportunity.
As the Milan Cortina Olympics continue, the story of Casey Dawson's withdrawal serves as a reminder of the difficult choices athletes must make in pursuit of Olympic glory. While fans may be disappointed not to see an American in every event, the strategic nature of the decision demonstrates the professional approach required at this level of competition. The U.S. speedskating program, once dominant on the world stage, continues to search for its next generation of distance specialists who can challenge European supremacy.
For now, all eyes will be on Dawson's remaining events, where he hopes to justify this strategic gamble with strong performances. The team pursuit quarterfinals on Sunday and the 1,500 meters next Thursday will determine whether this calculated risk pays dividends for both the athlete and Team USA. As Coach Girard's supportive comments indicate, this was a team decision made with the best interests of American speedskating in mind.
The broader implications of this decision extend beyond one athlete's Olympic experience. It highlights the resource constraints faced by smaller national teams that cannot field deep squads in every event. Unlike speedskating superpowers that can deploy multiple athletes across all distances, the United States must be selective about where it invests its talent. This reality makes strategic withdrawals like Dawson's not just understandable but potentially necessary for overall team success.
Looking ahead, the 10,000-meter event will showcase the world's best distance skaters competing at the highest level. While Team USA will be absent from the starting line, the race promises to be a compelling battle between Norway's Eitrem and Italy's Giotto, among others. For American speedskating fans, attention now turns to Sunday's team pursuit and next week's 1,500 meters, where Casey Dawson will attempt to make his Olympic mark.