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At just 26, this athlete is making his Olympic debut. Did he manage to earn a place on the podium? Here’s a look at his performance on Thursday.
MILAN, Metropolitan City of Milan — On Thursday, the world’s elite short-track speedskaters competed fiercely in the men’s 1000m race at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Clayton DeClemente from New York, representing Team USA, stepped onto the Olympic stage for the first time in Milan, emerging as a strong contender for medals after securing his spot in the event on Tuesday. Meanwhile, his teammate Brandon Kim from Virginia was unable to advance due to a penalty.
Despite a determined performance in the quarterfinals on Thursday, DeClemente was unable to make the cut for the semifinals.
DeClemente arrived at the Milan Cortina Games following an impressive run at the U.S. Championships, where he clinched a gold in the 1500m, a silver in the 1000m, and an overall bronze.
“Clayton began speed skating in 2011 inspired by his sports idol Jeff Simon, but his interests range far and wide,” according to his Team USA bio. “He loves everything about cars from driving them to fixing them to just talking about them. He loves to cook pasta and loves any variation of pasta while also playing the guitar and bass. His favorite mantra is to ‘Take advantage of every day.”
Ahead of Thursday’s competition, two-time Team USA Olympic speed skating medalist Katherine Reutter-Adamek told commentators that the event’s favorite was William Dandjinou of Canada.Â
The athlete set a goal of winning five gold medals heading into the Milan Games, and Reutter said he had already won a silver. Winning five medals of any kind at a single Winter Olympics would be the most any short track speed skater has ever won.
Dandjinou’s biggest competitor in the event was Pietro Sighel of Italy, who recently helped his team win the gold medal in the mixed team relay.
The semifinals and finals in the event are scheduled for later on Thursday.Â