At a Glance
- U.S. speed skating trials for the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics run Jan. 2-5 in Milwaukee.
- 16 events across sprint, middle-distance and mass-start races, broadcast on NBC, USA Network and Peacock.
- Athletes like Jordan Stolz, Erin Jackson, Brittany Bowe and Hilary Knight are vying for the final Olympic spots.
- Why it matters: The results decide who represents Team USA in Italy’s high-profile speed-skating arena.
The upcoming trials are the last chance for skaters to secure a spot on the U.S. Olympic team. While veterans such as Jordan Stolz and Erin Jackson may have their places set, the remaining roster spots will be decided over the next four days in Milwaukee.
Trials Overview
The 2026 U.S. speed skating trials are scheduled from Friday, Jan. 2 through Monday, Jan. 5 at the Pettit Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The event will be televised on NBC and USA Network, with Peacock streaming the action. Bill Spaulding will provide play-by-play commentary, joined by analyst Joey Cheek, while Lewis Johnson reports on the sidelines.
Event Schedule
| Date (ET) | Time | Event | TV/Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. 2 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Women’s 3000 m, Men’s 5000 m | USA Network, Peacock |
| Jan. 3 | 4-6 p.m. | Men’s & Women’s 1000 m | NBC, Peacock |
| Jan. 4 | 2-4 p.m. | Men’s & Women’s 500 m (Part 1) | USA Network, Peacock |
| Jan. 4 | 4-6 p.m. | Men’s & Women’s 1500 m | NBC, Peacock |
| Jan. 5 | 4:45-8 p.m. | Men’s mass start (Part 1) | Peacock |
| Jan. 5 | 5-8 p.m. | Men’s & Women’s Mass Starts; Men’s & Women’s 500 m (Part 2) | USA Network |
The schedule highlights sprint and middle-distance events, with mass-start races slated for the final day.
Olympic Competition
Speed skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics opens on Saturday, Feb. 7 with the women’s 3000 m, one day after the Opening Ceremony. All Olympic events will take place at the Milano Speed Skating Arena inside Milano Ice Park, with Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo serving as the main hosts.
The Olympic schedule features 14 races, including team pursuit, mass starts and distance events, with men’s and women’s competitions interleaved throughout February.
Key Takeaways
- Trials run Jan. 2-5 in Milwaukee, deciding the final U.S. Olympic roster.
- Broadcast coverage spans NBC, USA Network and Peacock, with expert commentary.
- The 2026 Olympics begin Feb. 7 in Italy, featuring 14 speed-skating races at the Milano Speed Skating Arena.
The trials will set the stage for Team USA’s performance in Italy, as athletes like Brittany Bowe, a two-time Olympic bronze medalist, train competitively with hockey captain Hilary Knight and prepare to compete at the highest level.
