Emery Lehman: U.S. Pursuit Team Cruises to Final and Claims Silver in Milan-Cortina
Emery Lehman was at the center of a landmark night for the U. S. men's speedskating squad after the team cruised to the final and went on to win a silver medal at the Winter Games. In interviews surrounding the race, Lehman spoke with Joe Fryer and Christine Romans about the team's performance and how the Milan-Cortina Games compare to previous Olympics.
Emery Lehman reflects on silver and team momentum
Emery Lehman described the silver-medal result as the product of a relentless collective effort. He emphasized the emotional payoff for the group after advancing through the rounds, noting how the run to the podium felt like a confirmation of the team's preparation and on-ice chemistry. Lehman also addressed how the atmosphere and conditions at the Milan-Cortina Games contributed to the team's mindset heading into the final.
Team USA cruises to the final, then secures a podium finish
Earlier in the competition Team USA cruised to the finals in the men's team pursuit, setting up the opportunity that ultimately produced the silver medal. The path from the heats to the final reflected consistent speed and coordination among teammates, culminating in a medal-winning performance on Feb. 18, 2026 ET. The sequence of advancing comfortably through the semifinals and then delivering in the medal race was a clear development from the earlier rounds.
Post-race comments and perspective on Milan-Cortina
Following the medal race, Lehman engaged with media representatives Joe Fryer and Christine Romans, addressing both the immediate emotions of winning silver and broader comparisons to prior Olympic competition. He highlighted how the team's approach in Milan-Cortina differed in focus and execution, offering insight into the adjustments that helped them move from strong earlier outings to an eventual podium result.
The silver for the U. S. men's pursuit team stands as the headline outcome of the night's speedskating program, with Lehman's remarks underscoring the blend of pride and perspective common to athletes finishing on the podium. The team's advance through the bracket to the final and subsequent medal claim are the two concrete developments that defined the U. S. presence in the men's team pursuit at these Games.
Coverage and commentary around the performance highlighted both the tactical elements that enabled the team to cruise into the championship race and the emotional resonance of converting that opportunity into a silver medal. Lehman's comments framed the result as a milestone rooted in teamwork and execution across rounds, signaling optimism for the group's cohesion moving forward.
