Johnstown Native Daniel Barefoot Makes Team USA at 35

A 35-year-old from Johnstown, Pennsylvania just achieved what many athletes spend their entire lives dreaming about.

Daniel Barefoot, a Penn State alum and Johnstown-area native, has officially been named to the 2026 U.S. Olympic skeleton racing team. He'll represent the United States alongside teammate Austin Florian in the men's competition, while Kelly Curtis and Mystique Ro compete for the women.

Skeleton racing isn't for the faint of heart. Athletes launch themselves headfirst down a frozen track on a small sled, reaching speeds that can hit 80 miles per hour while navigating sharp turns and steep drops.

Barefoot's journey to the Olympics shows that athletic dreams don't have an expiration date. At 35, he's proof that persistence and dedication can lead to extraordinary places, even when the path takes longer than expected.

"Today's announcement of the 2026 U.S. Olympic Bobsled and Skeleton Team is a proud moment for everyone involved," said USABS CEO Aron McGuire. "These athletes have earned their place through their incredible effort, talent, and perseverance."

Why This Inspires

Barefoot's story reminds us that the timeline for success looks different for everyone. While some Olympic athletes peak in their early twenties, others find their moment later in life after years of dedication and hard work.

His achievement also puts a small Pennsylvania community on the world stage. Johnstown residents now have one of their own competing at the highest level of international athletics.

The Olympics celebrate not just athletic excellence but the human spirit of determination. Barefoot embodies both, showing that with enough grit and commitment, even the most daring dreams can become reality.

Team USA's skeleton squad is ready to make their mark when competition begins.