The United States team hasn’t exactly been a powerhouse at the Winter Olympics, yet they are optimistic about making a mark in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games. In the last Winter Olympics in Beijing, the U.S. secured third place in the medal count, following a fourth-place finish in PyeongChang in 2018. Back in 2010, they topped the medal tally in Vancouver but only secured nine golds. This time, Team USA is focused on outdoing Norway, Germany, and Canada.
The athletes are definitely gearing up for a serious gold medal push as the Games kick off on Friday. Here’s a closer look at some key competitors to watch.
Alisa Liu
Alisa Liu is eager to step onto the Olympic podium for the first time. Competing in women’s singles, she’ll be joined by Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levit. Liu finished sixth at the 2022 Olympics when she was just 16. Now at 20, her recent successes, including golds at the World Championships and Grand Prix Final in 2025, have set high expectations for her performance in Milan.
Chloe Kim
Chloe Kim has captivated fans in the snowboarding halfpipe and looks to maintain her winning streak in 2026. After making her Olympic debut in 2018 at just 17, she went on to secure gold at both the 2018 and 2022 Games. Kim aims for her third consecutive gold despite facing challenges; she dislocated her shoulder three weeks prior to the Olympics but insists she’s “fully ready” to compete.
Elana Myers Taylor
Elana Myers Taylor is returning for her fifth Winter Olympics, representing the U.S. bobsled team in monobob events. In 2022, she made history by becoming the first black woman to win five Olympic medals. This month, she’s looking to add to her accolades while Team USA targets a strong showing in Italy.
Erin Jackson
Erin Jackson etched her name in history in 2022 as the first black woman to medal in speed skating, clinching gold in the 500 meters. She’s back for another shot at glory, again competing in both the 500m and 1,000m events.
Lindsey Vonn
Lindsey Vonn is all set for her Olympic return, vying for success in downhill alpine skiing. After two World Cup wins in downhill, her focus is on making her fifth Olympic appearance. Although she faced a serious injury recently, Vonn remains hopeful about her chances.
Hilary Knight
Hilary Knight is a stalwart of the U.S. women’s hockey team, having been part of it since her teenage years. She was pivotal in securing gold at the 2018 PyeongChang Games and now heads into the 2026 Olympics, which she has stated will be her last. “It’s an honor,” she remarked, reflecting on her growth and experiences in the sport.
Madison Chock & Evan Bates
Husband-and-wife duo Madison Chock and Evan Bates are gearing up for their shot at Olympic ice dance glory. With five consecutive U.S. Championship titles to their name, they’re poised to make a significant impact at the 2026 Games.
Maxim Naumov
Maxim Naumov has overcome personal hardships to secure his place on the men’s figure skating team. After the tragic death of his parents in an accident, he returned to skating, showcasing remarkable resilience. He won a bronze at the U.S. Championships, earning his Olympic spot.
Mikaela Shiffrin
Mikaela Shiffrin had a tough outing at the 2022 Olympics where she was a favorite but struggled to finish her events. Now, she’s bouncing back strong, with recent wins under her belt, and is looking to make a remarkable comeback this year.
NHL Players Return
In an exciting development, NHL stars are set to return to the ice for the first time in over a decade. The U.S. roster features notable names such as Auston Matthews and Jack Hughes, aiming to create a strong showing in the Olympic men’s hockey tournament, beginning group play on February 12 against Latvia.
