Italy defeats USA, pulls off a stunner in Olympic men's speedskating team pursuit

February 17, 2026 - 20:10

In a breathtaking display of precision and power, the Italian men's speedskating team delivered a monumental upset at the Olympic Games. The trio of Davide Ghiotto, Andrea Giovannini, and Michele Malfatti soared to victory, defeating the heavily favored United States team in the team pursuit event.

The American squad, featuring world record-holders Casey Dawson, Emery Lehman, and Ethan Cepuran, entered the race as the team to beat. However, the Italians executed a flawless race strategy, maintaining a blistering pace and seamless coordination. Crossing the finish line with a commanding lead, Italy's time bested the Americans by a staggering four and a half seconds.

This victory marks a significant milestone for Italian speedskating on the Olympic stage. The win demonstrates the result of meticulous preparation and teamwork, overcoming a rival that had dominated the event in recent competitions. The stunning performance has reshaped the landscape of the competition, proving that on any given day, determination and perfect execution can overturn even the most formidable records. The Italian team's triumph will be remembered as one of the most dramatic moments of the Games.