The 2026 Winter Olympics are just around the corner, with a spectacular Opening Ceremony set to light up the festivities on NBC and Peacock. But before Team USA hits the ice in the Milan Cortina Games, the speed skating team must finalize its roster, paving the way for the thrilling 2026 U.S. Olympic Speed Skating Trials.
Watching the Action Unfold
Mark your calendars for Friday, January 2, as live coverage of the U.S. Olympic Speed Skating Trials kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET on Peacock. Highlighting the event will be none other than world champion Jordan Stolz, a burgeoning sensation who has already secured his place on Team USA for Milan, alongside celebrated speed skater Erin Jackson.
Stolz isn’t taking it easy, though; he’ll compete in every event, making these Trials an essential runway to the Olympic stage. Set in the Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the spotlight will shine on him as he gets geared up for the intense competition awaiting him in Milan.
Expectations and Excitement
Joey Cheek, the 2006 Torino Olympic 500m gold medalist, shared his enthusiasm about Stolz, stating, “Watching Jordan Stolz develop feels like the excitement of watching a young Michael Phelps.” Cheek, who will be commentating alongside NBC Sports’ Bill Spaulding, lauds Stolz’s versatility: “He can win at multiple distances, under wildly varying conditions. When he’s at his worst, he still wins medals, and when he’s at his best, he’s unbeatable.”
The excitement doesn’t stop with Stolz and Jackson; other prominent skaters like Brittany Bowe and the Beijing Olympic team pursuit bronze medalists—including Mia Manganello, Emery Lehman, Ethan Cepuran, and Casey Dawson—are also set to compete. With positions on Team USA still up for grabs, the competition promises to be both fierce and thrilling.
How to Catch Every Moment
Fans eager not to miss a moment of the high-stakes action can tune in on traditional television via NBC, with various broadcast times throughout the competition. Plus, for those on the go or preferring to stream, the event will be available on Peacock, NBCOlympics.com, and the NBC Sports app—ensuring that no one misses the thrilling speed skating showcases.
The Schedule of Events
The whirlwind weekend promises a packed schedule beginning on January 2. Here’s what you can expect:
- Friday, January 2: Women’s 3,000m and Men’s 5,000m at 8:30 p.m. ET on Peacock
- Saturday, January 3: Men’s and Women’s 1000m at 4:00 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock
- Sunday, January 4: Men’s and Women’s 500m (Part 1) at 2:00 p.m. ET on Peacock, followed by Men’s and Women’s 1500m at 4:00 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock
- Monday, January 5: Men’s Mass Start (Part 1) at 4:45 p.m. ET on Peacock, followed by Men’s and Women’s Mass Starts and Men’s and Women’s 500m (Part 2) at 5:00 p.m. ET on Peacock
As the Trials unfold, the excitement will build, leading to the finalization of Team USA’s roster and setting the stage for what will surely be a thrilling Olympic competition come February.