Conor McDermott-Mostowy Wins Silver and Bronze at U.S. Championships, Eyes 2026 Winter Olympics
American speed skater Conor McDermott-Mostowy continued his impressive rise in the sport after capturing both silver and bronze medals at the U.S. Speed Skating Championships, positioning himself as one of the leading contenders for Team USA ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy.
The weekend event marked another breakthrough for McDermott-Mostowy, one of the few openly gay male athletes in competitive speed skating, as he showcased his consistency, strength, and dedication on the ice.
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A Personal Best and Strong Podium Finishes
McDermott-Mostowy’s standout performance came in the 1500-meter race, where he earned the silver medal with a personal record time of 1:44.69, finishing just behind American star Jordan Stolz, who swept gold in multiple categories, including the 500-meter, 1500-meter, and mass start.
In addition to his silver, McDermott-Mostowy secured a bronze medal in another event and finished fifth in the 500-meter, further demonstrating his versatility and elite conditioning across distances.
These results confirm his growing reputation as one of the top U.S. speed skaters on the national circuit.
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A Trailblazer for LGBTQ+ Visibility in Sports
Conor McDermott-Mostowy first came out publicly as gay in 2021 through an interview with RawCocktails, shortly after winning two gold medals at the U.S. Championships. At the time, he shared his hesitations about how his sexuality might be perceived in a sport often associated with strength and endurance.
“I’ve always been uncomfortable with the stereotypes,” he explained. “But I feel like at this point, no one can say anything — my performance speaks for itself.”
Since coming out, McDermott-Mostowy has become a symbol of resilience and authenticity for LGBTQ+ athletes, proving that identity and excellence can coexist proudly on the world stage.
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Representing Team USA Once Again
McDermott-Mostowy will once again represent Team USA in the 2024–2025 Speed Skating World Cup Series, which begins November 14–16 in Salt Lake City, where he also lives and trains.
His participation marks his fourth consecutive year on the U.S. Long Track National Team, reflecting his dedication to continuous improvement and his commitment to competing at the highest international levels.
The World Cup circuit will serve as crucial preparation for the U.S. Long Track Olympic Team Trials, scheduled for January 2–6, 2026, in Milwaukee, where McDermott-Mostowy’s Olympic fate will be decided.
A New Generation of LGBTQ+ Olympians
Should McDermott-Mostowy qualify, he would join the ranks of trailblazers such as Blake Skjellerup, one of the only other openly gay men to compete internationally in speed skating.
While figure skating and other winter sports have seen prominent out women like Brittany Bowe and Ireen Wüst, there has yet to be an openly gay man competing in Olympic speed skating. McDermott-Mostowy’s success could help break that barrier.
Supporting the Journey
McDermott-Mostowy will also be honored as a special guest at a fundraising event in West Hollywood on Saturday, November 1, organized to support his ongoing training and travel expenses as he prepares for the 2026 Olympic qualifiers.
Supporters can learn more and register to attend the event through the official RawCocktails community link.
Additionally, the Out Athlete Fund, a nonprofit supporting LGBTQ+ Olympians and Paralympians, continues to play a vital role in empowering athletes like McDermott-Mostowy as they train for global competitions.
Conclusion
Conor McDermott-Mostowy’s achievements at the U.S. Speed Skating Championships mark another milestone in his journey toward the 2026 Winter Olympics. As one of the few openly gay men in his sport, his perseverance and success extend beyond the ice — representing visibility, courage, and pride for LGBTQ+ athletes worldwide.
His progress serves as both a personal triumph and a step toward a more inclusive future in competitive sports.
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