Olympian Kelly Curtis Reflects on Experience at Milan-Cortina

Kelly Curtis, a U.S. Olympic skeleton athlete and Air Force Staff Sergeant, didn’t achieve the results she aimed for at the Milan-Cortina Olympics. However, she still feels victorious, mainly because she gets to represent her country and support her teammates, particularly those competing against Germany in women’s bobsled.

“Wearing my USA uniform fills me with pride. Representing both my nation and the U.S. Air Force is truly special, especially on the Olympic stage,” Curtis shared.

Despite some athletes expressing concerns about the political climate in the U.S. under President Trump, Curtis, as a dedicated military member, believes in safeguarding her teammates’ rights to voice their opinions.

“I cherish the First Amendment and strive to protect our country because of it. My fellow Olympians can express their thoughts freely, and I’m here to defend that right,” she stated.

In Italy, several Team USA athletes, including Hunter Hess, Amber Glenn, and Mikaela Shiffrin, have voiced their critiques of the current state of affairs. Meanwhile, Curtis and fellow Air Force Olympian Jasmine Jones are channeling their focus into securing podium finishes in bobsledding, as ice hockey players like Brady Tkachuk and Quinn Hughes express their pride in the U.S.

Curtis finished 12th in the women’s skeleton and has her hopes set on the bobsled duo of Jones and Kylie Humphries, who are contenders for a medal against strong German competitors. They secured first in the initial heat and fourth in the second, keeping their chances for a medal—possibly bronze or silver—alive.

“They’re definitely on the right track,” Curtis noted. “They have a solid game plan.” As the only Air Force members currently competing for Team USA in Milan-Cortina, Curtis aspires to see more of her colleagues represented at the 2030 Winter Games in the French Alps.

“We have a small program in place for our Olympic cycle, and I hope to see it grow, allowing more athletes to join in 2030,” she expressed.

This program calls for three years of active duty, after which the athletes return to their Air Force bases to serve as active military members.

Alongside Jones, Curtis engaged with supporters through a personal letter initiative tied to Team USA’s partnership with Sandboxx.