Full Breakdown
Team USA Shatters World Record in Speed Skating Team Pursuit
11/19/2025, 4:39:25 AM
Record-Breaking Performance at Salt Lake City World Cup
On November 14, 2025, at the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns, Park City native Casey Dawson, alongside teammates Ethan Cepuran and Emery Lehman, set a new world record in the men's team pursuit event during the ISU Speed Skating World Cup. The trio completed the eight-lap race in 3:32.49, surpassing their previous record of 3:33.66, which they had established in January 2024, also in Salt Lake City. The American team finished ahead of Norway, which placed second, and China, which came in third.
The event was marked by a vibrant atmosphere, with a packed home crowd cheering for the athletes. Dawson expressed pride in breaking the record in front of a supportive audience, stating, “To set a world record with these boys in front of a legitimate home crowd is awesome.” The competition also saw notable performances from other U.S. skaters, including Jordan Stolz, who won three gold medals in various events.
Background and Context
The Salt Lake City World Cup served as a qualifier for the upcoming Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympics, drawing participation from 30 countries and approximately 300 athletes. The Utah Olympic Oval is renowned for its fast ice, contributing to the high-performance environment for speed skating. This event was particularly significant as it marked the countdown to the 2034 Utah Olympic Games.
Team Dynamics and Strategy
Dawson, Cepuran, and Lehman have revolutionized the team pursuit strategy by opting not to switch positions during the race, a tactic that has since been adopted by other teams. Their commitment to training and teamwork has been pivotal in their success. Dawson noted that their strong individual performances contributed to their record-breaking achievement, emphasizing the importance of unity in their racing strategy.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the race, Dawson's father, Mike, reflected on the significance of the achievement, stating, “Every parent dreams that their kids will accomplish something beyond what they accomplished.” He highlighted the courage and determination his son and teammates exhibit in their pursuit of excellence. Dawson's goal extends beyond personal success; he aims to inspire the next generation of skaters, recalling his own experiences as a young fan.
Upcoming Competitions
The U.S. speed skating team is set to continue their season with the second World Cup event in Calgary, Canada, from November 21 to 24, 2025. The team is optimistic about their chances as they prepare for the upcoming Olympic Games.
Verbatim Quotes
- “To set a world record with these boys in front of a legitimate home crowd is awesome,” — Casey Dawson, U.S. Speed Skater
- “Every parent dreams that their kids will accomplish something beyond what they accomplished,” — Mike Dawson, Casey's Father
- “If we don’t show up, then someone else could win.” — Emery Lehman, U.S. Speed Skater
- “It feels like you’re flying,” — Ethan Cepuran, U.S. Speed Skater
- “I was the kid 10 years ago watching people break world records.” — Casey Dawson, U.S. Speed Skater
This remarkable achievement not only showcases the talent of Team USA but also sets a high standard as they head into the Olympic season.
