Casey Dawson Finishes Eighth in 5,000m Donning Pink Backpack
American speed skater Casey Dawson has garnered significant attention during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. He competed in the men’s 5,000-meter race on February 8, finishing in eighth place with a time of 6:11.88. Dawson’s unique pink backpack, decorated with hearts, added a touch of personal flair to his athletic performance.
Race Highlights
In a highly competitive event, Dawson displayed impressive skills in front of an enthusiastic crowd. The race attracted notable attendees, including United States Vice President JD Vance. Here are the top 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
The Pink Backpack
Casey Dawson’s pink backpack has become a notable symbol for him. As part of a fantasy football league challenge, he must carry this backpack throughout the Olympic year. In a pre-competition video, Dawson shared his thoughts, saying, “It keeps me humble. It keeps me grounded.”
Future Events and Aspirations
Dawson, a 25-year-old from Utah, previously earned a bronze medal in the team pursuit at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. He is scheduled to compete in multiple events this Olympic cycle, including the 1,500-meter and 10,000-meter races.
Race Conditions
Despite facing difficult ice conditions that affected numerous competitors, Dawson remained optimistic after his eighth-place finish. He acknowledged the challenges of skating on a temporary Olympic track and highlighted the need for trust in one’s skating abilities.
As the 2026 Winter Olympics progress, Casey Dawson’s charisma and his signature pink backpack are expected to continue captivating fans across the globe. His journey reflects both the challenges and triumphs of competitive speed skating, promising an exciting future ahead.
