Olympics: Speed Skater’s Fantasy Football Loss Means Hilarious Punishment at 2026 Games

U.S. Speed Skater Competes at Olympics While Carrying Out Fantasy Football Punishment

MILAN, Italy – Casey Dawson, a member of the U.S. Olympic speed skating team, is competing at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Games while simultaneously serving a rather unusual penalty: a punishment stemming from a fantasy football league loss. Dawson finished last in his league for the 2024 NFL season and is now required to carry out the consequences throughout the entire speed skating season.

The punishment, as detailed by NBC Sports, involves a conspicuous phone case adorned with a large, fake foot. “The phone case is pretty ridiculous,” Dawson told NBC Sports. “It’s huge, clunky.” He is also obligated to carry a small, “flashy” backpack that offers limited storage space.

Dawson, 25, of Park City, Utah, is not alone in his fantasy football misfortune. He participates in the league with fellow U.S. Team pursuit members Emery Lehman and Ethan Cepuran, along with other speed skaters. The league’s rules dictate that the last-place finisher must endure the penalty for the duration of the speed skating season, according to the International Skating Union.

Despite the somewhat embarrassing nature of the punishment, Dawson appears to be taking it in stride. “Whenever I have [the backpack] at the side of the ice, I’ll look at it and it gives me a little smile every time,” he said.

Dawson is a two-time Olympian and one-time medalist. He and Lehman were part of the bronze medal-winning men’s pursuit team at the 2022 Beijing Games. He, Lehman, and Cepuran currently hold the world record in the team pursuit.

Dawson competed in his first event of the 2026 Games on Sunday, finishing eighth in the men’s 5000m. He is also slated to race in the men’s 1500m, 10000m, and team pursuit events.

The unusual situation has garnered attention, with images of Dawson with the backpack and phone case circulating online. The Associated Press captured an image of Dawson at the U.S. Olympic trials for long track speed skating in Milwaukee on January 4, 2026, showcasing the unique accessories.

While the punishment may seem lighthearted, it highlights the camaraderie and playful competition within the U.S. Speedskating team. Dawson’s ability to maintain a positive attitude while carrying out the penalty underscores his resilience and good sportsmanship as he competes on the world’s biggest stage.