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Team USA Speed Skaters Adopt NASCAR Technique for Medal Push

2/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

The United States Olympic speed skating team has adopted the 'push technique,' inspired by NASCAR bump drafting, to boost Team Pursuit performance.
Sports aerodynamicist Ingmar Jungnickel conducted a study that prompted the team to restructure training around synchronization and position specialization.
As the team prepares for the finals in Milan on February 17, they seek their first Olympic medal in this event, motivated by retirements of key skaters.

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Story summary

The United States Olympic speed skating team has adopted the 'push technique,' inspired by NASCAR bump drafting, to boost Team Pursuit performance.
Sports aerodynamicist Ingmar Jungnickel conducted a study that prompted the team to restructure training around synchronization and position specialization.
As the team prepares for the finals in Milan on February 17, they seek their first Olympic medal in this event, motivated by retirements of key skaters.