Speed Skater Sarah Warren Overcomes Injuries for Olympic Dream

Speed skater Sarah Warren, a native of Willowbrook, Illinois, is set to make her Olympic debut at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games. Despite a challenging journey marked by multiple injuries, Warren has secured her place in the women’s long-track 500-meter final, showcasing her determination and resilience.

Warren, 29, has meticulously documented her path to this moment in what she terms a “surgical timeline.” Since beginning her speed skating career at age 13, she has undergone ten surgical procedures, including arthroscopic surgeries on both knees due to injuries sustained while playing soccer at the University of Illinois. These injuries required anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, which initiated a long battle for recovery.

“It’s a lot of work for one race,” said Cathy Warren, Sarah’s mother and a supportive presence throughout her daughter’s journey. Cathy relocated to Salt Lake City to be closer to Sarah during her training. The sheer volume of rehabilitation and recovery has taken immense dedication, especially in the lead-up to the Olympics.

Warren’s determination has been inspired by fellow athlete Lindsey Vonn, who famously overcame her own injuries to achieve success. Reflecting on her experiences, Warren wrote in her surgical log about the challenges of relearning how to skate after surgeries, including recent procedures in October 2024. “There were a lot of down days where you’re like, wow, can I get there? But then you see some light,” she shared.

On January 4, 2026, at the Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee, Warren crossed the finish line at the U.S. Olympic Trials in a remarkable time of 38.67 seconds. This performance secured her spot in the upcoming Olympic Games, as she finished .22 seconds ahead of third-place finisher McKenzie Browne. “It felt like an out-of-body experience,” Warren described, reflecting on the emotional weight of her journey.

As she circled the rink, the presence of her coach, Ryan Shimabukuro, and her family fueled her joy and gratitude. “It took a village,” Warren emphasized, acknowledging the support system that has helped her along the way. Her family, including her father, Morrison Warren, and her brother, John, have been instrumental in her journey.

Warren’s athletic career began with hockey and transitioned into speed skating after trying it during her brother’s practice. With early coaching at the Glen Ellyn Speedskating Club, she quickly adapted to the sport, shifting to long-track events to leverage her speed and agility.

Despite juggling her athletic career and rigorous academic pursuits—including a dual degree in biomedical engineering and chemistry and a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University—Warren has consistently excelled. Her competitive journey has included participation in the 2012 Youth Winter Olympics, multiple U.S. Olympic Trials, and making the U.S. National Team by 2022. She has also competed in World Cups and the 2024 World Championships.

As she prepares for the 500-meter final, Warren aims to surpass her personal best of 38.10 seconds. “I hope to skate my cleanest race possible,” she stated. Her journey serves as a testament to perseverance, as she encourages others facing challenges to hold onto their dreams.

“It’s a living test that you kind of get this platform and this spotlight right now,” Warren noted. “Even on the day where the light in the tunnel is as dim as it ever could be, there’s still a light.” Her success embodies the belief that with hard work and determination, dreams can indeed become reality.