US Olympic Ski and Snowboard Team Announced for Milan Cortina 2026
The United States Ski and Snowboard association has unveiled its formidable 97-athlete roster for the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, with legendary names Lindsey Vonn, Chloe Kim and Mikaela Shiffrin headlining the squad. The announcement, made on Thursday 22 January 2026, sets the stage for a compelling mix of veteran comebacks and fresh talent aiming for glory in the Italian mountains.
Veteran Comebacks and Notable Absences
Lindsey Vonn's remarkable return to elite ski racing in her 40s will reach its pinnacle at the Games, following a partial knee replacement that saw her win two World Cup downhill races this season. In contrast, the comeback bid of two-time slopestyle snowboarding champion Jamie Anderson fell short, with the athlete failing to secure a podium spot this season after returning to the sport post-maternity.
Mikaela Shiffrin secures her place on a fourth Olympic team, determined to rebound after a medal-less performance in Beijing. Meanwhile, Chloe Kim eyes an unprecedented third consecutive Olympic gold in snowboard halfpipe, though concerns linger over a recent shoulder injury sustained in training.
A Blend of Experience and Youth
The selected team boasts a significant number of Olympic newcomers, with 48 first-time Olympians among the ranks. The squad comprises 50 women and 47 men, featuring the youngest member, 15-year-old halfpipe freestyle skier Abby Winterberger, and the eldest, 44-year-old snowboardcross rider Nick Baumgartner, competing at his fifth Games.
Between them, Vonn, Kim and Shiffrin hold five Olympic gold medals, providing seasoned leadership to a group where nearly half the athletes are making their Olympic debut. The team is scheduled for an official announcement on Monday.
High Expectations and Captivating Narratives
US Ski and Snowboard president and CEO Sophie Goldschmidt expressed confidence in the team's potential impact, stating, "I am confident about the impact they will make in Italy. More than the results, our athletes are also bringing some of the most captivating story lines to Milano Cortina."
This sentiment was echoed by chief of sport Anouk Patty, who remarked, "Throughout this season, we've seen quite remarkable results from our athletes across all 10 of our sports. I know this is one of the strongest teams we have sent to the Games."
Discipline Highlights and Key Contenders
Alpine Skiing: Vonn's return is complemented by Breezy Johnson's comeback from a knee injury that sidelined her before the Beijing Games. Ryan Cochran-Siegle, a super-G silver medalist in Beijing, adds further depth.
Snowboarding: The post-Shaun White era in halfpipe begins with underdogs Chase Josey and Jake Pates, while 17-year-old Ollie Martin emerges as a threat in slopestyle and big air, following in the footsteps of Red Gerard's teenage gold-winning feat eight years ago.
Freeskiing: Nick Goepper transitions to halfpipe for his fourth Olympics, joining Alex Ferreira. Notable omissions include big air silver medalist Colby Stevenson and halfpipe veteran David Wise.
Moguls and Aerials: Jaelin Kauf returns as the reigning moguls silver medalist, with Chris Lillis aiming to build on his mixed team aerials gold from Beijing.
The skiers and snowboarders, who contributed 15 of Team USA's 25 medals in Beijing, will constitute almost half of the American contingent in Milan Cortina, carrying the nation's hopes for another successful Winter Olympic campaign.
