Mia Manganello Secures Bronze in Speed Skating Mass Start Final
Mia Manganello has achieved a significant milestone by securing a bronze medal in the women’s speed skating mass start final at the 2026 Winter Olympics. This event took place on Saturday, February 21, in Milan, marking her first individual Olympic medal after competing in three Olympic Games.
Manganello’s Impressive Olympic Journey
Throughout her career, the 36-year-old athlete previously earned a bronze medal in team pursuit at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games. Her latest achievement at the Milano Cortina Olympics is historic, as it represents the first medal for the U.S. women in speed skating during these Games.
Event Highlights
The mass start final was an exciting event characterized by its chaos, drawing comparisons to both short track skating and NASCAR racing. Manganello finished behind two formidable competitors: Marijke Groenewoud from the Netherlands, who won gold, and Ivanie Blondin of Canada, who took home the silver medal.
U.S. Women’s Speed Skating Performance
- Speed skating events included:
- 4th place in 1,000 meters
- 4th place in 1,500 meters
- 4th place in team pursuit
- 5th place in 500 meters
Manganello’s bronze adds to the U.S. team’s medal tally, bringing their total in long track speed skating to four, the highest since the 2010 Winter Olympics.
A Symbolic Final Season
Having announced that this season would be her last, Manganello’s bronze medal encapsulates her commitment and skill. Her performance during the World Cup season also set the stage for her Olympic success, where she won an individual gold in the first competition of the season and accrued additional medals: one silver and two bronzes in the subsequent events.
In a remarkable end to her speed skating career, she narrowly edged out Groenewoud for the World Cup season title by just one point, demonstrating her competitive spirit and determination.
Mia Manganello’s journey at the 2026 Winter Olympics will be remembered as a celebration of athletic achievement and resilience, marking a defining moment for U.S. women in speed skating.
