As we edge closer to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, the anticipation is mounting around athletes ready to make their mark on this prestigious stage. Whether it’s coming out of retirement, showcasing spectacular skills, or switching national allegiances, these athletes are drawing attention for what they may achieve at the Games.
Lindsey Vonn is a name synonymous with skiing success. The American alpine skier, famed for her prowess in the super-G and downhill events, surprised the sports world with her return at 40. Vonn, a four-time Olympic medalist, including gold in the downhill at the 2010 Vancouver Games, plans to bid farewell to the sport after Milan-Cortina, competing on a course she adores in Cortina. Her relentless spirit was evident last winter when she placed top-six in both downhill and super-G competitions in Austria.
Mikaela Shiffrin, another American ski sensation, is eyeing a powerful comeback following her tumultuous outing at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. Holding 99 World Cup victories, Shiffrin seeks redemption in her signature slalom and giant slalom events after previous Olympic successes in 2014 and 2018. Despite a recent injury setback, her persistence was evident with a top-ten finish in the World Cup slalom event in Courchevel, France.
Ilia Malinin, the Quad God, is set to showcase his extraordinary figure skating talents. Famous for executing the unprecedented quad axel, a maneuver with four-and-a-half spins, Malinin is poised to follow the Olympic path of his parents. The 20-year-old from Virginia is eager to continue America's excellence in figure skating, following Nathan Chen's gold-winning 2022 performance.
Eileen Gu, a multinational freeskiing phenomenon, dazzled with her record-breaking feats at the previous Olympics, capturing three medals, including two golds, for China. Born in California and competing for China to set an example for girls in her lineage, Gu is nearly unbeatable in halfpipe events. At just 21, she's already lifted three X Games golds and aims to further highlight her talents with her unique style and skillset.
The legendary Chloe Kim becomes a crucial figure in women’s snowboarding, recognized as a trailblazer with an unfaltering dominance in the halfpipe. As a dual Olympic champion, Kim aims to solidify her legacy following her victories at both the 2018 and 2022 Games.
Italy’s own talent, Nicolò Ernesto Canclini, harbors aspirations for home soil success as ski mountaineering debuts at Milan-Cortina. Living a stone's throw from the Olympic slopes in Bormio, Canclini hopes to see his visibility rise alongside his competition results.
An unusual narrative in Brazilian skiing focuses on Lucas Pinheiro Braathen. With a unique background, half Norwegian and half Brazilian, Lucas recently switched to represent Brazil, fueling hopes for Brazil’s first-ever Winter Olympics podium finish. After a dispute with the Norwegian ski federation, he shifted allegiance but comes with a reputation marked by World Cup podium finishes and previous Olympic experience.
Therese Johaug, a figure in cross-country skiing, keeps spectators guessing about whether she'll compete next year. Having returned to competition last year, she remains dominant on the circuit, combining her Olympic pedigree with outstanding performances, notably winning her fourth Tour de Ski recently. While she currently plans retirement, the allure of Milan-Cortina might just see her return once more.
The road to the 2026 Winter Olympics promises excitement, drama, and superlative athletic performances from these remarkable individuals who continue to inspire fans worldwide.
