Sports
Chicago-Area Skaters Shine at Pettit National Ice Center Olympic Trials
Competitions were held January 2 through January 5
The Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee was the proving ground for long track speed skaters competing for a chance to represent the United States at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. With sixty-nine competitors chasing just thirteen Olympic spots, the stakes were high—and the Chicago-area contingent made its presence felt.
The Midwest was well represented, including eight skaters from the Chicago area. Many athletes favor Pettit for its fast ice, and in the end, three local skaters earned Olympic berths:
- Sarah Warren (Willowbrook) – Women’s 500 m
- Ethan Cepuran (Glen Ellyn) – Men’s Mass Start and likely Team Pursuit
- Emery Lehman (Oak Park) – Men’s 1500 m and likely Team Pursuit
This marks Sarah Warren’s first Olympic appearance, while both Cepuran and Lehman were part of the Men’s Team Pursuit trio that set the world record in Salt Lake City in November 2025. Decisions on the final Men’s Team Pursuit lineup will be made in the coming days.
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Not pictured: Jerry Mech
