32 U.S. Athletes Set to Shine at 2026 Milan Olympics

The 2026 Winter Olympics are about to showcase some of the most remarkable athletic talent America has ever sent to the Games. From skating legends to skiing icons, these 32 athletes represent years of dedication, resilience, and pure excellence.

Ilia Malinin is rewriting what's possible in figure skating. The 21-year-old "Quad God" is the only skater on Earth who can land a quadruple axel in competition, and he performs seven quad jumps in his free skate. He hasn't lost a competition since 2023.

Lindsey Vonn's return at 41 is nothing short of extraordinary. The 2010 Olympic downhill champion came back from retirement and is now leading the World Cup downhill standings. She recently tore her ACL but still plans to compete, calling it "the most dramatic comeback" of her career.

Alysa Liu won her first national championship at just 13 and took a two-year break after the 2022 Olympics. She returned last season and incredibly won the world championship title in March, becoming the first American to do so since 2006.

Laila Edwards is about to make history as the first Black woman to represent the U.S. in Olympic hockey. The 6-foot-1 defender from Cleveland switched from forward and dominated the transition, earning praise for being "the whole package" on the ice.

Madison Chock and Evan Bates have won the past three world championships and are competing in their fourth Olympics together. The married duo has indicated this will likely be their final season, making their quest for gold even more meaningful.

Why This Inspires

These athletes prove that greatness comes in many forms. Some are young prodigies redefining their sports, while others are seasoned champions proving age is just a number. There are comeback stories that show resilience and breakthrough moments that shatter barriers.

Mikaela Shiffrin, the greatest alpine ski racer in history with 107 World Cup wins, is returning after a disappointing 2022 Olympics where she left without a medal. This season she's won six of seven slalom races and is focused on letting her skiing speak for itself.

Hilary Knight is competing in her fifth Olympics, the most ever for a U.S. hockey player. In her 20 years with the national team, she's become the most decorated player in U.S. women's hockey history and won her 10th gold medal at worlds last year.

Amber Glenn made the U.S. team at 26, the oldest woman in singles in 98 years. She's mastered the triple axel and won three national championships, proving dedication and perseverance can triumph over any timeline.

These athletes remind us that excellence isn't just about winning—it's about showing up, pushing boundaries, and inspiring the next generation to dream bigger.