Team USA’s women’s speed skating team pursuit squad just made history at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics. Brittany Bowe, Mia Manganello, and Giorgia Birkeland advanced to the semifinals on February 14 after finishing fourth in qualifying. The trio is now set to face defending champion Canada on Tuesday in a high-stakes matchup.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Qualifying Time: 2:58.32, fourth-fastest in women’s team pursuit qualifying round
- Key Athletes: Brittany Bowe and Mia Manganello are both 2018 team pursuit bronze medalists returning to Olympic action
- Semifinal Opponent: Canada, the defending Olympic champions in women’s team pursuit
- Semifinal Date: February 17 at Milano Speed Skating Stadium in Milan, Italy
Historic Qualification for USA Women’s Team
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The American trio stormed through qualifying to secure a spot in Tuesday’s semifinals. Bowe, Manganello, and Birkeland demonstrated the speed and teamwork required to advance past five other nations. The fourth-place finish was decisive enough to punch their ticket to the next round. This qualification sets up a thrilling matchup against Canada, who earned the top spot in their qualifying heat. Team USA is hungry to challenge the defending champs.
The women’s team pursuit event is a unique speed skating discipline. Three athletes from one country skate close together, working as a single unit to complete six laps as fast as possible. The clock stops when the last skater crosses the finish line, making teamwork essential to success.
Brittany Bowe Leads Veteran Squad
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Brittany Bowe serves as the anchor for this American team, bringing experience from the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics. She and Mia Manganello won bronze in team pursuit eight years ago, proof of their ability to compete at the highest level. Giorgia Birkeland, the third member, has emerged as a rising force in speed skating. Together, they represent USA Speedskating’s strongest hopes for a medal in this event at Milano Cortina.
Bowe’s consistency in individual events has made her a cornerstone of Team USA’s speed skating program. Manganello’s speed and endurance complement Birkeland’s rising star power. The three-skater formula showcases the depth of female speed skating talent currently representing the United States on the international stage.
Women’s Team Pursuit Semifinal Matchup Preview
| Factor | USA | Canada |
| Qualifying Time | 2:58.32 | 2:57.84 (1st) |
| Olympic Status | Defending bronze (2018) | Defending gold (prev.) |
| Key Strength | Experience and speed | Consistent dominance |
| Semi Schedule | February 17 (TBA) | February 17 (TBA) |
“All gas from US Speedskating as the U.S. women fly into the team pursuit semifinals.”
— Team USA, Official Team Statement
What’s Next for Team USA at Milano Cortina
The semifinals on Tuesday will test American resolve against elite international competition. Both semifinal winners advance to the championship final, scheduled for later in the Olympic program. The top three finishers earn medals, making the semifinals crucial for Team USA’s medal hopes. Bowe and Manganello will draw on their Olympic experience while Birkeland brings fresh energy to the rink.
Speed skating at Milano Cortina runs from February 7 through February 21, with competition at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium. Team USA has already seen success in other speed skating events, including Jordan Stolz’s two gold medals in individual races. The women’s team pursuit semifinal represents another chance for American athletes to earn podium finishes in this historic Winter Olympics.
Can USA Upset the Defending Champions on February 17?
Tuesday’s matchup against Canada will determine who advances to the final. Canada finished ahead of USA in qualifying, but the gap was razor-thin at just 0.48 seconds. The semifinal format guarantees one last chance for American skaters to prove themselves against the world’s best. Is this the year Team USA claims the team pursuit podium at the Winter Olympics? Fans won’t have to wait long to find out.
Team USA’s coaching staff will use the next several days to prepare Bowe, Manganello, and Birkeland for the championship push. Every fraction of a second counts in speed skating, and the difference between gold and fourth place could come down to execution and flawless teamwork during those critical laps.
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.