The Kid Who Watched Vancouver

Open with the nine-year-old glued to the 2010 Games, watching Apolo Ohno and Shani Davis and dreaming. Establish who he is, where he comes from, and the generational thread that connects his heroes to his own career.

"I absolutely crushed those ones. Granted, I was sick going into that or sick, you know, previously and it really affected my training last year. And it gave the other guys, you know, an opportunity to win some medals, but this time I crushed his track record."

Sick, Beaten — and Coming Back Swinging

Tell the story of the pneumonia and strep throat that derailed his 2024 season and handed rivals an opening. Then pivot to his demolition of track records in Heerenveen and Hamar in 2025, with the specific times providing visceral proof of his resurgence.

"Going under 34 seconds in Hamar — that's a big deal in speed skating for the 500 meter. It's something you don't do unless you're at altitude because the air is thinner, or in Heerenveen."

Standing on Shani's Shoulders

Explore the bittersweet moment of breaking Shani Davis's 1500m record — the hero he idolized as a child. Use Davis's gracious blessing to frame the passing of the torch and what it means for American speed skating's legacy.

The Fighter Jet Lands in the Netherlands

Contrast his relative anonymity in the US with his rock-star reception in the Netherlands — the flight attendants, the autographs, the nickname 'the fighter jet.' Use this to illuminate speed skating's niche status at home and what it means to be truly seen as an elite athlete.

Old School vs. the Algorithm: The Bob Corby Factor

Profile the unconventional partnership with Eric Heiden's legendary coach, who came out of semi-retirement to work with him. Explore the philosophy of feeling over data, and the bonus of having a world-class physical therapist in his corner — a package deal that other athletes envy.

Milan, Pizza, and the Only Thing Left to Win

Look ahead to Milan-Cortina with his quiet, unshakeable confidence — it's the other guys who are worried. Close on the human details: the pizza-before-workouts ritual, the anticipation of eating the real thing in Italy, and the sense of a skater fully in his moment.