Alright, folks, gather ’round because Team USA just dropped the roster for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympic Winter Games, and let me tell you, it’s straight up fire! We’re talking about a lineup that’s absolutely stacked with legends making comebacks, seasoned pros eyeing more gold, and fresh faces ready to absolutely shred the competition. The buzz around this squad is real, no cap, especially with the sheer talent in ski and snowboard disciplines that consistently bring home the hardware for the good ol’ U.S. of A. This is a crucial moment for American winter sports, as the performance in these categories often dictates our overall medal count, and frankly, the vibe for the entire Olympic run.
This year’s roster for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympic Winter Games features a whopping 97 athletes, comprising nearly half of the entire American delegation heading to Italy. It’s a testament to the depth and quality of our ski and snowboard programs. Rick Bower, the snowboard program director, hit the nail on the head when he said, “In many ways, making this team is even harder than the Olympics themselves. The depth of our field is incredible, and selection truly came down to the wire.” That, my friends, is a clear sign that only the best of the best made the cut, and that’s what we love to see when our athletes hit the global stage.
First up, let’s talk about the absolute queen of Alpine skiing, Lindsey Vonn. After retiring in 2019 and undergoing a partial knee replacement, Vonn made a highkey unexpected return to the slopes in 2024. This isn’t just a comeback; it’s a testament to her insane drive and passion for the sport. Winning gold in downhill at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, Vonn is a bonafide icon. To see her back, gunning for more glory in Milan-Cortina, is truly inspiring. Many thought her Olympic chapter was closed, but Vonn is out here proving that legends can write their own rules, and her determination is nothing short of sick.
Then there’s Mikaela Shiffrin, the most decorated Alpine skier of all time. Period. She’s heading into her fourth Olympics, and you just know she’s aiming to add more bling to her already overflowing trophy case. Shiffrin’s technical prowess and consistency are unmatched, making her a formidable contender in multiple events. The pressure on her is immense, but if anyone can handle it and deliver under the brightest lights, it’s Shiffrin. Her journey has been a masterclass in resilience and skill, and every time she races, it’s a history lesson unfolding right before our eyes. She’s legit a phenomenon.
On the snowboard side, Chloe Kim is aiming to make history. A three-time Olympian, Kim is gunning to be the first snowboarder ever to win three consecutive gold medals in the halfpipe. Talk about setting the bar high! Chloe has revolutionized women’s snowboarding with her amplitude and technical tricks. She’s a global superstar, and her performance always feels like a must-watch event. Her quest for a three-peat is going to be one of the most compelling storylines of the entire Games, and you can bet she’s ready to bring the heat and show out for her country.
The men’s snowboard squad is also looking exceptionally strong. Three-time Olympian and 2018 slopestyle gold medalist Red Gerard is back, bringing his smooth style and big tricks to the course. Snowboard cross racer Nick Baumgartner, known for his grit and determination, is always a crowd favorite. And heads up, there’s a new prodigy on the scene: 17-year-old Alessandro Barbieri, who is already being eyed as a serious medal contender in the halfpipe. This dude is lowkey poised to make a huge splash, and his fresh energy is a welcome addition to the team.
For freeski, the squad is stacked! Four-time Olympian Nick Goepper will lead the halfpipe crew, joined by two-time Olympic medalist Alex Ferreira, Birk Irving, and first-timer Hunter Hess. Defending Olympic freeski slopestyle champ Alex Hall is also set to compete in his third Olympics, bringing his innovative and daring runs. It’s also dope to see Birk Irving’s sister, Svea Irving, qualifying for the women’s freeski halfpipe, showcasing some serious family talent on the slopes. This group is known for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on skis, and their events are always a spectacle.
We can’t forget about cross-country skiing, where the legendary Jesse Diggins will participate in her fourth and final Olympics. A three-time medalist, Diggins is a true ambassador for the sport, known for her powerful finishes and vibrant personality. Her final Olympic hurrah is going to be emotional for many, and we’re all rooting for her to go out with a bang. And in aerials, Chris Lillis, who clinched gold at the 2022 Games, is back, ready to launch himself sky-high once more and defend his title. The talent across all these disciplines is truly on point.
Looking back at the 2022 Beijing Games, our skiers and snowboarders straight up crushed it, earning 15 of Team USA’s 25 medals. That’s nearly two-thirds of our entire medal count, for real! This highlights just how crucial these athletes are to our nation’s Olympic success. The depth of this year’s roster suggests that Milan-Cortina 2026 could be another banner year for American winter sports, with plenty of opportunities for our athletes to step onto the podium and make us all proud. Get ready, America, because the show is about to begin!
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