Air Force staff sergeant and Team USA skeleton athlete Kelly Curtis expresses admiration for America at the Winter Olympics

Kelly Curtis Reflects on Olympic Experience

U.S. Olympic skeleton athlete and Air Force Staff Sergeant Kelly Curtis didn’t achieve the results she was hoping for during her competition in Milan-Cortina. However, she still feels like a winner, taking pride in representing her country and supporting her teammates, especially those in women’s bobsled as they face off against Germany.

“Every time I wear my uniform that says USA, I feel proud to represent both my country and the U.S. Air Force,” Curtis shared. “But being on the Olympic stage makes it even more special.”

Her sense of patriotism stands in contrast to some fellow U.S. Olympians who have voiced concerns regarding the current state of the country under President Trump.

As a dedicated member of the military, Curtis emphasizes her commitment to protecting her teammates and fellow citizens’ rights to express themselves. “I love the First Amendment, and I’m proud to protect our country in any way that supports it,” she explained. “My teammates have the right to say what they want, and I will stand by that.”

While competing in Italy, several Team USA athletes, including Hunter Hess, Amber Glenn, and Mikaela Shiffrin, have criticized various aspects of life back home.

In the meantime, Curtis and fellow Olympian Jasmine Jones from the Air Force are working hard to help lead the U.S. team in bobsledding. Ice hockey players Brady Tkachuk and Quinn Hughes are also expressing their pride in their country while in Milan-Cortina.

Curtis, who placed 12th in the women’s skeleton event, will be cheering for Jones and Kylie Humphries in the bobsled, as they position themselves to compete for a medal against fierce competitors from Germany.

Jones and Humphries achieved impressive results, finishing first in the first heat and fourth in the second heat, with a solid chance at reaching the podium—potentially aiming for bronze or silver, though the gold is still in play.

“They’re doing really well,” Curtis remarked. “They definitely have a winning formula.”

As the only two Air Force athletes competing for Team USA in Milan-Cortina, Curtis hopes to see that number grow for the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps. “We have a small program in place for the Winter Olympic cycle, but I hope it continues to develop and we can have more athletes at the next Olympics,” she said.