Gay Speed Skater Conor McDermott-Mostowy Wins US Trials And Locks In His First Olympics
Conor McDermott-Mostowy is heading to his first Winter Olympics after winning the men’s 1,000 metres at the United States (US) Olympic Team Trials for long-track speed skating at the Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee on Saturday, 3 January.
McDermott-Mostowy topped the field in 1:07.606, finishing ahead of Cooper McLeod (1:07.845). Jordan Stolz, the pre-qualified favourite, stumbled early but still came third and secured his spot by starting the race as required under the trials rules for pre-qualified skaters.
A local sports writer, Beckett Callan, summed up what it meant on X when he noted that the top two in the men’s 1,000 m would automatically qualify. US Speedskating then put it more bluntly on Instagram: “Mission accomplished,” adding that McDermott-Mostowy was headed to his first Olympic Games.
Four years ago, McDermott-Mostowy missed out on the 2022 Winter Olympics after illness disrupted training during a key stretch of the season. Outsports reported he had largely decided to step away from the sport before fighting his way back into contention.
So what did Saturday’s win feel like in the moment? Speaking to NBC Olympics, he called it “redemption,” adding, “It’s really emotional.”
Who is Conor McDermott-Mostowy?
McDermott-Mostowy is 26 and was born in Washington, DC. He now trains in Salt Lake City and made the switch from short track to long track in his teens, a move that reshaped his career.
He has also been openly gay for years, first coming out publicly in 2021 after a breakout run at US Championships. Outsports noted McDermott-Mostowy could still add more Olympic events to his programme, and could also be in the mix for team selections.
