Bucks Native Advances To Speed Skating Quarterfinals At Olympics

WARRINGTON, PA - Bucks County native Andrew Heo will compete in the speed skating quarterfinals on Wednesday at the Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Italy.

On Saturday, the Warrington native won his heat with a time of 41.136 seconds, advancing to the quarterfinals. He will be the lone American competing in the quarterfinals on Feb. 18 at 2:15 p.m. in the short track Men's 500-meter quarterfinal.

For his Olympic achievements, Bucks County Congressman named him one of his “Hometown Heroes.”

“This week, we proudly honor Warrington’s own Andrew Heo — a 24-year-old, two-time Olympian, whose journey embodies grit, gratitude, and the enduring promise of America," the Congressman wrote on Facebook.

Long before the Olympic stage, there was a family determined to create opportunity, said Fitzpatrick.

Andrew’s parents came to the United States from South Korea with a simple but powerful belief: that hard work here could build a different future. As his father, Peter, said, “I had one thing in mind — I wanted to give my kids whatever opportunity I could. And if it takes sacrifice, I’m in it.”

"And a sacrifice it required. Three-hour drives to training. Nights that stretched past midnight. Work beginning just hours later. That steady commitment laid the foundation for everything that followed," the Congressman said.

At 17, Andrew earned a place on the U.S. National Team. At 20, he competed at the 2022 Winter Olympics, finishing seventh in the 1,000-meter and proving he belonged among the very best in the world. He has continued to rise ever since, earning a world championship medal and capturing World Tour gold in the 500-meter this past November, building momentum toward the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

“From Warrington to the world stage — we couldn’t be more proud,” said Fitzpatrick.

Short track speedskating is relentless - 32 athletes from 18 nations, racing inches apart, separated by hundredths of a second. It demands fearlessness, discipline, and total trust in preparation.

When asked what it means to compete on the Olympic stage, he said, “It is always an honor. I am always super proud to represent the US.”

“As he competes in Milan, his parents, Peter and Jennifer, and his brother Aaron are there cheering him on, and here at home, I ask us all to join them — let’s cheer on our Hometown Hero and Olympic Champion, and the incredible family who raised him!” said Fitzpatrick.

Tune in on Wednesday, Feb. 18 (2:15 p.m.) for the Men’s 500m.