Casey Dawson Secures Eighth in 5,000m with Pink Backpack in Tow
American speed skater Casey Dawson captured attention during the 2026 Winter Olympics held at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium in Milan, Italy. Sporting a distinctive pink backpack adorned with hearts, he finished eighth in the men’s 5,000-meter race on February 8, clocking in at 6:11.88.
Race Highlights
Competing in a highly anticipated event, Dawson faced a competitive field and showcased his skills in front of a lively audience, which included notable figures like United States Vice President JD Vance.
Medal Standings
- Gold: Sander Eitrem (Norway) – 6:03.95 (Olympic Record)
- Silver: Metodej Jilek (Czechia) – 6:06.48
- Bronze: Riccardo Lorello (Italy) – 6:09.22
- Davide Ghiotto (Italy) – 6:09.57
Dawson, a 25-year-old athlete from Utah, previously won a bronze medal in the team pursuit at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. He aims to compete in multiple events this Olympics, including the 1,500m, 10,000m, and team pursuit.
The Pink Backpack
The pink backpack has become a symbol for Dawson, who was required to carry it as part of a fantasy football league challenge. “Whoever loses has to carry this around for the year,” he explained in a pre-Olympic video. He described the backpack as a source of motivation, saying, “It keeps me humble. It keeps me grounded.”
Race Conditions
Despite his eighth-place finish, Dawson maintained an optimistic outlook. He faced challenging ice conditions, which he noted could be difficult to manage due to the temporary nature of the Olympic track. “It’s definitely hard,” he commented, emphasizing the importance of trusting one’s skating abilities.
As the 2026 Winter Olympics unfold, Dawson is set to face more opportunities to shine. His spirit and distinctive pink backpack will continue to captivate fans around the world.
