Photo: Alex Goodlett / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
A Poughkeepsie native will represent the United States on the world stage as the 2026 Winter Olympics begin this week in Italy. Clayton DeClemente, 26, has earned a spot on Team USA's roster for short track speed skating, where he'll compete in the 1,000-meter and 1,500-meter events.
DeClemente, a 2017 graduate of Arlington High School, has been a member of the Short Track National Team since 2020 and has competed at multiple World Championships, including in 2021 and 2023, according to US Speedskating.
His journey to the Olympics began with roller hockey as a child, where his exceptional speed on skates caught attention. That natural talent eventually led him to try speed skating, setting him on a path from local Hudson Valley rinks to international competition.
"My goal was to make the Olympic Trials. I got fourth overall," DeClemente said about his near-miss for the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where he was listed as an alternate. "Their skill level was so much farther ahead, it (going to the Olympics that year) was not like real," he told lohud.com.
After developing his skills locally, DeClemente moved to Salt Lake City to train at the Olympic Oval, preparing him for international competition. Standing 5'5", the speedskater has diverse interests off the ice, including working on cars, cooking pasta, and playing guitar and bass. His personal mantra is to "Take advantage of every day."
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino has called on residents to rally behind the local Olympian as he prepares to compete. DeClemente is the only athlete from Poughkeepsie on Team USA's roster for these Winter Games, according to Daily Voice.
The 2026 Winter Olympics begin Wednesday (February 4) and will run through Sunday (February 22), with events hosted in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. The opening ceremony will air live on NBC at 2 p.m. on Friday (February 6), with a primetime re-air scheduled for 8 p.m.