Some of the fastest athletes in the world are set to hit the ice in Italy, as speed skating is ready to jump back into the limelight during the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Jutta Leerdam is heading into the 2026 Winter Olympics with a serious shot at gold, rather than just celebrity attention. The Dutch speed skating star and Jake Paul’s fiancee has battled setbacks and come back stronger as she eyes individual success on the world’s biggest stage.

The 2026 Winter Olympics are officially underway. Even though the Opening Ceremony won't be held until Friday evening in Milan, events began on Wednesday, including round-robin curling and Alpine skiing men's downhill training.

You can watch every event at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics LIVE by subscribing to Peacock. After subscribing and logging in, either go to PeacockTV.com/Olympics in your web browser or download the Peacock app to your phone, tablet, or connected TV device and navigate to the Olympics section.

The United States has the most athletes competing in the Winter Olympics, but is not favored to win the gold medal race.

U.S. speed skater Casey Dawson is already bringing a touch of humor to the Olympics, carrying a pink backpack and a plastic foot phone case as a lighthearted consequence of a fantasy football loss.

Andrew Martin presented a lesson on speed skating today in Lake Placid, New York, highlighting the historic James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval and key figures in the sport.

Find the answer for Number of distinct medal events for short track speed skating, in the 2026 Winter Olympics from the people who brought you the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.