Emery Lehman: A Legacy in Speedskating and Jewish Representation

Emery Lehman, a 29-year-old speedskater from Oak Park, Illinois, recently concluded his two-decade career at the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, where he earned a silver medal in the men's team pursuit event on February 17, 2026. Competing alongside teammates Ethan Cepuran and Casey Dawson, the U.S. team finished with a time of 3:43.71, trailing behind Italy, who claimed gold. This achievement marks Lehman's second Olympic medal, following a bronze in the same event at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. Despite finishing 25th in the 1,500-meter race, Lehman expressed pride in his team's performance, emphasizing the significance of their collective effort.

Lehman gets Silver at Olympics, then calls it a careerEmery Lehman: U.S. Pursuit Team Cruises to Final and Claims Silver in Milan-CortinaTimes of Israel

Lehman has articulated the profound impact of his Jewish identity throughout his athletic journey. Growing up in a Jewish household, he attended Hebrew school and synagogue regularly. His mother, Marcia, played a pivotal role in his skating career, encouraging him to pursue the sport despite initial reluctance. Reflecting on his experiences, Lehman noted, “I don’t think I would be a two-time Olympic medalist without my mom being a Jewish woman from New York.” His connection to Judaism deepened during a Birthright trip to Israel in 2018, which instilled in him a sense of pride and community.

Times of Israel

As Lehman retires from competitive speedskating, he plans to return to Chicago and pursue a career in civil engineering, having earned degrees from Marquette University and Johns Hopkins University. He acknowledged the challenges of transitioning from an athletic career to a regular working life, stating, “I hope I can find something to stress out about and love and be passionate about as much as this.” Lehman also expressed a desire to give back to the sport by coaching at his local skating club and potentially conducting clinics in Israel.

Times of Israel

Despite the silver medal, some critics noted that the U.S. team fell short of expectations, having entered the competition as favorites. Lehman responded to this sentiment by emphasizing the team's resilience, stating, “Second in the world on an off day is pretty impressive.” Looking ahead, he is eager to reconnect with family and friends, whom he missed during his years of training, and to explore opportunities to inspire future generations of athletes.

Emery Lehman: U.S. Pursuit Team Cruises to Final and Claims Silver in Milan-Cortina

• “ “I think the biggest thing [from that trip] was this big sense of pride and community that really sat with me.” — Emery Lehman

Times of Israel

• “I have had such a long journey so my decision to retire is based on the fact that I’m just getting older and I think it’s time,” — Emery Lehman

Lehman gets Silver at Olympics, then calls it a career

• “I don’t think I would be a two-time Olympic medalist, a four-time Olympian, without my mom being a Jewish woman from New York,” — Emery Lehman

Times of Israel

Emery Lehman's retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in U.S. speedskating history, characterized by his achievements and his commitment to representing the Jewish community. As he embarks on a new path, his legacy as a decorated athlete and a role model remains firmly established.

Lehman gets Silver at Olympics, then calls it a career