What's Happening?
Emery Lehman, a speedskater from Oak Park, is preparing for his fourth consecutive Olympic Games. Lehman, who has been a prominent figure in U.S. speedskating, is aiming to qualify individually for the
Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, despite already being a key member of the Team Pursuit squad. At 29, Lehman is approaching the end of his competitive career, having dedicated over two decades to the sport. His journey began at the Sochi Games in 2014, where he was the youngest member of the U.S. Long Track Speedskating team.
Why It's Important?
Lehman's participation in the upcoming Olympics is significant as it marks the culmination of a long and successful career in speedskating. His experience and leadership are invaluable to Team USA, particularly in the Team Pursuit event, where he and his teammates are strong contenders for a gold medal. Lehman's decision to retire after these Olympics highlights the transition many athletes face as they move from competition to new phases in their lives. His story is a testament to the dedication and perseverance required to succeed at the highest levels of sport.
What's Next?
As Lehman prepares for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, he is focused on achieving a gold medal in the Team Pursuit event. His teammates, Casey Dawson and Ethan Cepuran, are also key players in this pursuit. The team has been training together for years and recently won gold at the World Championships in Norway. Lehman's retirement after the Olympics will mark the end of an era for U.S. speedskating, and his future plans include transitioning to a new career in Chicago.
