Utah Olympic Speedskater headed to Paris to cheer on Team USA summer athletes

Jul 27, 2024, 10:46 AM | Updated: 3:16 pm

KEARNS — A Utah Olympic medalist who competes in winter, will be trading the ice rink for a track in Paris. Speedskater Casey Dawson will get to see the games in a whole new way that will be dramatically different from his own Olympic experience.

Even in the middle of summer, the only focus for Dawson is ice.

He trains with the US Speedskating team twice a day, five days a week at the Olympic Oval in Kearns.

“It’s pretty intense,” Dawson said. “It’s a constant grind because we’re the long track distance team.”

Dawson estimates he skates about 50 to 60 laps per training session to build up endurance, as he works toward another Olympics.

But the Olympic Games he’s been preparing for lately, are the ones that just kicked off on Friday.

“I grew up watching the Summer Olympics, and I love that,” he said. “And I think I watched it probably more than the Winter Olympics, honestly.”

Dawson is flying with his mom to France next week to experience the 2024 Paris Olympics, but not as an athlete. He’ll be rooting for his summer athlete counterparts from the stands.

“Summer, winter, no matter what, I love cheering on fellow athletes,” he said.

Casey Dawson trains at the Olympic Oval in Kearns (KSL TV)

When Dawson competed in Beijing in 2022, the arena was practically empty. He said he skated in a ‘silent Olympics’ with no one watching, aside from some local spectators.

“My Olympic journey was completely different than everyone else’s with COVID and everything,” he said.

The pandemic prevented family, friends, and fellow Americans from celebrating Dawson’s Bronze finish in Team Pursuit.

He explained how that in-person support is what gets athletes going when they compete. He credits fans for helping his team set a world record at the World Cup in Salt Lake City earlier this year.

“I think cheering people on makes the whole thing, you know, ten times better,” Dawson expressed.

Casey Dawson with his bronze medal in Beijing (Casey Dawson and KSL TV)

So, he’s making sure Team USA has that support in Paris. Dawson joked that he’ll probably lose his voice by the time he leaves from all the cheering.

Plus, he’ll get a taste of what he couldn’t see in Beijing.

Dawson plans to check out the Team USA house, and of course, explore Paris.

“I want to see an Olympics without the whole COVID experience and see how it’s, you know, supposed to work and supposed to happen,” Dawson said. “And, I’m really excited to see what it looks like.”

Dawson talked about how, on top of that, he’s hoping to take home something of his own: Motivation, for when he returns to the ice.

“When somebody crosses the finish line, wins that gold medal, that’s an inspiration to me,” Dawson said. “Push further, push harder and, you know, try to achieve my gold medal hopefully in 2026.”

KSL 5 TV Live

Rubicon Contracting trucks parked in Bountiful on Dec. 5, 2023. Utah is asking for its case against...

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

Utah seeks dismissal of labor trafficking charges in lieu of federal investigation

The Utah Attorney General's Office is asking for state charges against a Davis County general contracting company accused of labor trafficking to be dismissed because of a pending federal investigation.

8 minutes ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Utah Jazz Trade Deadline: What Did Ainge, Zanik Accomplish?

The NBA Trade Deadline transpired on Thursday and for the third straight season, the Utah Jazz were one of the league's busiest teams.

23 minutes ago

FILE - Gas prices in Utah have ticked up from last week due to the threat of tariffs. A Chevron log...

Alton Barnhart

Utah gas prices increased by two cents amid tariff concerns

Gas prices in Utah have ticked up from last week due to the threat of tariffs, according to the Energy Information Administration. 

27 minutes ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Lawson Crouse Evens Game With Second Period Blast

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Utah Hockey Club couldn’t capitalize on the power play to open the second period. Still, Lawson Crouse scored seconds after the PP ended to even the game at one. Utah HC (22-22-9, 53 points) is in the Buckeye State to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets (26-21-7, 59 points) at Nationwide Arena on […]

35 minutes ago

FILE - In this photo reviewed by U.S. military officials, flags fly at half-staff at Camp Justice, ...

Associated Press

Newly unsealed documents reveal more details of prosecutors’ evidence in 9/11 attacks

Newly unsealed documents give one of the most detailed views yet of the evidence gathered on the accused 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed

41 minutes ago

Club Rec, a snowmobiling business in the Monte Cristo area, said there is still plenty of snow for ...

Mike Anderson

Slow winter impacts outdoor recreation businesses

Casey Pratt said a less-than-ideal snowfall this winter is drawing fewer locals to his snowmobiling business in the Monte Cristo area.

1 hour ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Utah Olympic Speedskater headed to Paris to cheer on Team USA summer athletes