A 19-year-old speed skater from Waukesha is making waves at the US Olympic Trials, just three years after first putting on speed skates.
Finn Siebert's bedroom overflows with sports awards and medals, but almost none are for speed skating — the sport he's now competing in at the highest level.
"Some of them are for soccer and skiing," Siebert said, gesturing to his collection. "Most of these medals are for running."
That's because until three years ago, Siebert had never laced up a pair of speed skates. His parents signed him up for a learn-to-speed-skate class at the Pettit National Ice Center when he was 15.
"It was kind of funny because he's in there with all these other kids. Because he was 15 and there were like 7-year-olds in there," said Nate Siebert, Finn's father.
Watch: From Latvia orphanage to Olympic trials: Waukesha teen's speed skating journey
Finn didn't have the chance at 7 years old to speed skate or participate in any organized sports. He was living in an orphanage in Latvia before being adopted by his family at 11 years old and moving to a place he had never heard of.
When asked if they told him he was going to Waukesha, Wisconsin, Siebert replied, "They didn't even tell me the state or the city. They just gave me a picture of the family."
"I always say Finn is the bravest, most resilient kid I ever met. He came from a pretty hard background and came to a family he never met before, and changed his whole life. But God had great plans for him and still does," said Natasha Siebert, Finn's mother.
Over the weekend at the U.S. Olympic Speed Skating Trials, Siebert set three personal records in the 500, 1000, and 1500-meter races. His best finish so far has been 13th place. While he doesn't expect to make the Olympics this year, he says this is just the beginning.
"Part of that I feel like was God's plan. I was out in a different country, and he moved me to the United States right next to the Pettit Center, where I can begin my training," Siebert said.
After the trials wrap up, Finn will compete for a spot on the junior national team. Then his training will then focus on the next four years with hopes of making the Olympics in 2030.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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