The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee has officially announced its full 232-athlete delegation for the upcoming Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. This substantial roster, revealed on Monday 26th January 2026, showcases a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers set to compete across the diverse winter sports programme.
Veteran Presence with Seven Five-Time Olympians
Leading the experienced contingent are seven American athletes who will be making their remarkable fifth appearance at the Winter Olympics. This elite group includes alpine skiing legend Lindsey Vonn, alongside decorated bobsledders Kaillie Humphries and Elana Meyers Taylor.
The roster of five-time Olympians is completed by ice hockey star Hilary Knight, figure skater Evan Bates, and snowboarding veterans Faye Thelen and Nick Baumgartner. Their collective experience is expected to provide invaluable leadership within the team.
Returning Medalists and Team Composition
Among the 232 athletes, an impressive group of 33 are returning Olympic medalists. Elana Meyers Taylor leads this contingent with a haul of three silver and two bronze medals. Kaillie Humphries brings three gold medals to the team, while alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin and snowboarder Chloe Kim each possess two gold medals from previous Games.
The team demonstrates a near-perfect gender balance, comprising 117 men and 115 women. It also represents a significant age range, from 15-year-old freeskier Abby Winterberger to 54-year-old curler Rich Ruohonen, highlighting the diverse pathways to Olympic competition.
Historic Spread of Olympic Venues
The Milan Cortina 2026 Games are set to be the most geographically dispersed Olympics in history. Milan will serve as the primary hub, hosting events including ice hockey, figure skating, and speedskating. Meanwhile, the mountain resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo, along with several other Alpine clusters, will stage the skiing, snowboarding, biathlon, sliding sports, and the newly introduced Olympic discipline of ski mountaineering.
Competition Schedule and Opening Ceremony
The official Opening Ceremony is scheduled for 6th February 2026 in Milan. However, some competitive events are set to commence slightly earlier, beginning on 4th February. This staggered start allows for the extensive competition schedule across the widespread venues.
The announcement solidifies the United States' preparations for the Games, with the team poised to build upon its historical performances in winter sports. The blend of multi-Games experience and fresh talent creates a compelling narrative for American prospects at the first Winter Olympics to be held in Italy since the 2006 Turin Games.
