Emery Lehman started speedskating at a young age and has enjoyed a highly successful career in the sport. While it is rare for an athlete to end his or her career at their peak, that is exactly what Lehman is doing.
Lehman, a 2014 graduate of Oak Park and River Forest High School, announced on Feb. 19 that he is retiring from speedskating. This comes after he earned a silver medal as part of Team USA men’s pursuit unit at the Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Feb. 17. Lehman teamed up with Ethan Cepuran – a Glenbard West alum – and Casey Dawson to get the silver in a time of 3:43.71, 4.51 seconds behind gold medalist Italy. It’s the second medal in as many Olympics for Lehman, who won a bronze with the men’s team pursuit in 2022 at Beijing.
“We came into the competition and definitely had our hopes set on gold,” Lehman said, “but to come away with silver when we were having an ‘off’ day still makes me really proud of the team. We definitely didn’t skate our best, and Italy skated very well and was just better than us. We are still so thankful for the silver medal and over the moon about adding to our Olympic medal collection.”
Lehman also skated in the 1500-meter race, Feb. 19, and finished 25th in a time of 1:47.23.
“The 1500 was also a tough race, I think it was a reflection of how I just haven’t been skating as well as I had all season,” he said. “I am still happy I went out there and skated my heart out, but the time wasn’t very good unfortunately.”
Overall, Lehman was pleased with the Milan experience and appreciated the chance to compete in front of many of his family members and friends. This was his fourth Olympic appearance, and he called it “one of a kind, unlike any other Olympics.”
Following the 1500, Lehman decided to hang up his skates and call it a career. While he’s still healthy and highly competitive, he wanted to end his career in that form.
“I have had such a long journey so my decision to retire is based on the fact that I’m just getting older and I think it’s time,” Lehman said. “My times are getting faster but so is the rest of the world so it’s a good time to call it. I’ve been so fortunate with injuries and success so I’m happy to be able to end it on my terms.”
Unlike some athletes who announce their retirement, only to return to competition not long afterwards, Lehman said he’s not planning any comeback.
“I have seen people try and do it,” said Lehman, “and it’s very hard to do and not something that interests me. I’ve done so much and have had a lot of difficult things to overcome while training, so to take time off and try and tackle all that again would be difficult.”
The Olympics bring to a close a career that started for Lehman when he was eight years old. As the next chapter of his life begins, he looks back on speedskating with warm memories and no regrets.
“I am happy with how everything went and can look back fondly on the good and bad times I’ve had,” Lehman said.
