Clayton DeClemente

Quick Facts

• Took up speedskating after practicing roller skating in his house for roller hockey practice when his mom said he looked more like a speedskater
• Plays guitar and bass
• Loves to cook pasta and loves any variation of pasta

Biographical Information

Clayton DeClemente grew up in Poughkeepsie, New York, playing roller hockey. DeClemente skated around the house for practice when his mother decided to sign him up for speedskating because, in her opinion, he looked more like a speedskater. DeClemente has said: “(It) worked out, because I was really bad at the stick-handling part of hockey.”

DeClemente joined the short track national team in 2020. He was named to his first world championship team in 2021 and, two years later, competed in two individual events, the 1,000-meter and 1,500-meter.
Off the ice, DeClemente balances his training with working at the Olympic Oval in Salt Lake City in the rink’s concession stand. He works up to four evenings a week,selling pretzels, churros, hot dogs, chicken, and fries to the families at the rink for youth hockey or speedskating practices.

World Championships Experience

• Most recent: 2023 – 10th (5000m Relay - Men), 12th (1000m - Men), 20th (1500m - Men)
• Years of participation: 1000m - Men 2023; 1500m - Men 2023; 5000m Relay - Men 2023
• Top finish: 10th – 2023 (5000m Relay - Men)

Olympic Experience

• 1-time Olympian
• Olympic Games Milan 2026, 16th (1000m - Men), 32th (1500m - Men)