Speedskater Pursues Olympic Redemption After Dream Was Shattered Four Years Ago
Kristen Santos-Griswold, a prominent short track speedskater, is preparing for her chance at Olympic redemption in the upcoming 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. Four years after a painful experience at the 2022 Beijing Winter Games, Santos-Griswold aims to secure the medal that slipped through her fingers.
Beijing Setback
At the 2022 Winter Olympics, Santos-Griswold was a strong contender for an Olympic medal, ranked second in the world. During the women’s 1,000-meter final, she was skating in third place when a collision with Italy’s Arianna Fontana resulted in a crash. The incident not only knocked her out of medal contention but also caused an emotional upheaval.
Emotional Journey Toward Redemption
In the aftermath of her Beijing disappointment, Santos-Griswold contemplated retirement and a shift in focus to her doctoral studies in physical therapy. She described her emotional state at that time, saying, “I’ve been an emotional wreck up and down.” However, she ultimately decided to remain in competitive speedskating.
Healing Through Reflection
As part of her mental preparation, Santos-Griswold faced the challenge of watching her race from Beijing for the first time. She found the experience cathartic, allowing her to process the incident and reaffirm her commitment to the sport. “It was definitely therapeutic and helped me move on from it,” she stated.
Path to the 2026 Olympics
Following her decision to continue competing, Santos-Griswold excelled in various events leading up to Milan. In November 2023, she triumphed at the Four Continents Short Track Speed Skating Championships, securing gold medals in the 500, 1,000, and 1,500 meters. Additionally, she achieved an impressive performance in the 2024-25 ISU Short Track World Tour, claiming four more gold medals and being named the tour’s overall champion.
Coaching Support
Her coach, Stephen Gough, emphasized the importance of focusing on the future rather than the past. He noted, “When we spoke, I was like, ‘It’s about to start being really fun.’” Santos-Griswold’s training adjustments during her recovery from injuries contributed positively to her performance.
A Lifelong Passion for Speedskating
Santos-Griswold’s journey in sports began at the age of three with figure skating. At eight, she transitioned to speedskating after being inspired by a Disney Channel commercial. Competing at a young age against older opponents, she embraced the competitive spirit of speedskating, which she found exhilarating.
Family Support and Mental Preparation
As she heads into the Milan Olympics, Santos-Griswold looks forward to having her family in the audience, a support system she lacked during her previous Olympic experience. She aims to shift her mindset, focusing on enjoying the competition rather than obsessing over outcomes. “I’m trying to switch that a lot and enjoy every day,” she shared. “Just do my best.”
Kristen Santos-Griswold’s dedication and resilience may finally lead to the Olympic success she has long sought. The lessons learned from her past failures will undoubtedly shape her journey as she competes for gold in Milan.
