Sat Feb 07 17:20:00 UTC 2026: ### Team USA Unveils Olympic Hopefuls for Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Games

The Story:

The United States is sending a strong contingent of athletes to the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, with the opening ceremonies kicking off on Friday, February 6th, 2026. The Games will feature simultaneous cauldron lightings in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, and athlete parades in four locations. More than 2,900 athletes will compete across 15 venues in northern Italy. The article highlights 32 U.S. Olympians to watch, across various sports, and provides their competition schedules and background information.

The athletes range from seasoned veterans like Hilary Knight, competing in her fifth and final Olympics, to rising stars such as Ilia Malinin, the only skater to land a quadruple axel. Several athletes are looking for redemption or historical milestones, like Mikaela Shiffrin aiming to overcome her disappointing 2022 Olympics, and Lindsey Vonn, who hopes to become the oldest alpine skier to win an Olympic medal. The article showcases a blend of experience, skill, and determination within Team USA.

Key Points:

  • The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremonies will be held on Friday, February 6th, 2026, with events starting February 7th.
  • The Games will include simultaneous cauldron lightings in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, and athlete parades in four locations.
  • Ilia Malinin is highlighted as the only skater to successfully land a quadruple axel in competition.
  • Hilary Knight will be participating in her fifth and final Olympics, becoming the most-capped US hockey player in Olympic history.
  • Mikaela Shiffrin, despite a record 107 World Cup wins, aims to overcome her underwhelming 2022 Olympic performance.
  • Lindsey Vonn, at 41, is aiming to become the oldest alpine skier to win a medal.
  • Kristen Crowley is set to become the first Black woman to represent the U.S. in Olympic hockey.
  • Ryan Stoulz has high expectations to perhaps bring home multiple gold medals.
  • Erin Jackson aims to repeat as the 500m speed skating champion, a feat not achieved by an American woman since 1994.
  • Jessie Diggins announced that this will be her last competitive season for the U.S.
  • The mixed curling team of Dropkin and Thiesse are attempting to bring the country’s third Olympic curling medal, and the first in the mixed competition.

Key Takeaways:

  • Team USA is sending a diverse mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers to the 2026 Winter Olympics.
  • Several athletes are striving to break records and achieve historical milestones.
  • Redemption and overcoming past disappointments are significant storylines for key athletes like Shiffrin.
  • The Games present an opportunity for athletes to solidify their legacies and inspire future generations.
  • The inclusion of new faces such as Kristen Crowley in hockey highlights the growing diversity within US Olympic teams.

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