Wednesday marks exactly six months until the 2026 Winter Olympics begin in Milan Cortina. Team USA is gearing up to once again face off against Canada in a shifting geopolitical context.
American skier Alex Ferreira, a medalist in past competitions, mentioned in a chat with Fox News Digital that Canada is, without a doubt, one of America’s main rivals, alongside New Zealand. “New Zealand and Canada are the two biggest rivals,” he remarked, particularly pointing out Brendan Mackay from Canada as a key competitor. Ferreira recalled their intense competition back in 2023 in Baculiani, Georgia, where they emerged victorious.
Looking ahead to 2026, Ferreira believes the rivalry could escalate, especially considering the recent U.S. tariffs placed on Canadian goods. “There’s definitely some rivalry stemming from political tensions,” he said. “Canadians like Brendan are improving all the time, and I train hard too. We both want to win.” He added, “I want to represent my country well and, of course, I want to beat them. They are great neighbors, but…”
Ferreira expressed his familiarity with the Canadian slopes, having competed frequently at places like Windsport Park in Calgary and Whistler. However, he feels the terrain in Colorado offers more intensity, which he thinks would benefit American competitors in Milan Cortina. “It’s a bit harsher in Colorado; it definitely has its own level of intensity compared to Canada,” he noted, suggesting that Livigno’s environment is more akin to Colorado.
In a collaborative spirit, Ferreira mentioned inviting his Canadian rivals, including Mackay, to train in Colorado, though he understands the challenges of organizing that. “They have their commitments, and it’s easier to train at home,” he acknowledged.
For Ferreira, the Olympics hold personal significance as a Catholic American
Competing in Italy resonates deeply with Ferreira, particularly as a Catholic American celebrating the first pope from the U.S. “It’s a remarkable moment—truly unprecedented,” he reflected.
He shared that his Catholic upbringing has been a source of strength throughout his skiing career. “I made my first communion and went through confirmation,” he said. Ferreira believes that his faith has played a role in his achievements, emphasizing the importance of being a good person and living by the golden rule. “You have to be able to look in the mirror every day,” he stated.
The Olympic cycle also marks Ferreira’s return to meat consumption
After finishing his final Olympic performance in Beijing in 2022, Ferreira broke a long hiatus from meat. “I ate a cheeseburger and it was incredible. I felt stronger afterwards; it was like my taste buds woke up,” he recounted. He had previously maintained a vegetarian/pescatarian diet leading up to the Beijing Olympics.
Despite his renewed meat-eating habits, he keeps his breakfasts light and plant-based, consisting of oatmeal, blueberries, goji berries, cashew butter, honey, and tea. While he’s let go of a strict vegetarian diet, he still avoids alcohol, following a philosophy similar to that of soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Winter Olympics and Paralympics are set to kick off in February 2026. For more information on Team USA athletes, visit TeamUSA.com.
