Team USA Names Eight Short‑Track Speedskaters for Milan 2026 Olympics

Team USA has revealed its eight short‑track speedskaters for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. The selection was based on recent performances rather than a traditional trial. This marks a shift from previous Games.

Roster Details

The roster includes returning Olympians Corinne Stoddard, Kristen Santos‑Griswold, Julie Letai, Eunice Lee, and Andrew Heo. Newcomers Brandon Kim, Kamryn Lute, and Clayton DeClemente also make the team. Together, they form a diverse group of athletes.

Selection Process

Unlike prior Olympics, no U.S. trials were held to choose the short‑track squad. Skaters were selected by the national federation after reviewing their latest results on the ISU circuit. The decision reflects the federation’s confidence in recent performance data.

Returning Olympians

Stoddard, 24, hails from Washington state; Santos‑Griswold, 31, is from Connecticut. Both have competed in previous Olympics and are headed to their second Games. Their experience will be valuable in high‑pressure races.

Medal Achievements

Stoddard earned 12 medals across the four ISU Short Track World Tour stops this season. Santos‑Griswold claimed the world title in the 1,000‑meter event last year. These achievements underscore their elite status.

Athlete Profiles

Letai, 25, comes from Massachusetts; Lee, 21, also from Washington state, both secured a relay silver at the 2023 world championships. Heo, 24, from Pennsylvania, added a mixed‑relay bronze at the 2024 worlds. Their medal wins demonstrate international competitiveness.

Newcomers

Lute, 21, is a New York native studying at the University of Utah. Kim, 24, from Virginia, is a Stanford student. DeClemente, 26, also from New York, rounds out the new cohort.

Competition Venue

Short‑track events will take place from February 10 to 20 at the Milano Ice Skating Arena. This venue hosted the 2006 Winter Games. It will again serve as a backdrop for Olympic competition.

Long‑Track Team Selection

The U.S. long‑track speedskating team will be decided later. Results from the Olympic trials in Milwaukee are scheduled for early January. That selection will determine the long‑track roster.

World Championship Highlights

Letai and Lee earned silver medals in the relay at last year’s world championships. Their success highlights their experience on the world stage. It also boosts confidence for the upcoming Games.

World Tour Performance

Stoddard’s haul of 12 medals on the ISU World Tour demonstrates her consistency. She has performed across multiple stops. Her form makes her a key contender.

World Champion Highlight

Santos‑Griswold’s 2023 world championship title in the 1,000‑meter race marks her as a top contender. She has proven her speed in individual events. Her presence strengthens the team’s medal prospects.

Relay Strength

The relay silver won by Letai and Lee highlights the U.S. team’s strength in team events. It reflects strong coordination among teammates. This experience will be vital during Olympic races.

Selection Rationale

The federation’s decision to rely on recent results reflects confidence in athletes’ current form. It also aligns with a data‑driven selection approach. This strategy may influence future team choices.

Looking Ahead

With a blend of seasoned Olympians and promising newcomers, Team USA’s short‑track squad looks poised to compete for medals in Milan. The long‑track team awaits its own selection process. The nation anticipates strong performances across both disciplines.