13 Winter Olympic Athletes Poised to Make Headlines at Milano-Cortina 2026
As the world anticipates the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Italy, attention turns to the athletes who will captivate audiences with their performances on snow and ice. Following memorable moments from the 2024 Summer Games, the winter edition promises its own share of drama and triumph. Among the standout competitors are Mikaela Shiffrin, Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo, and Ilia Malinin, each bringing unique stories and potential for Olympic glory.
Ester Ledecka: A Dual-Sport Champion Adapts
Ester Ledecka of Czechia made history at PyeongChang 2018 by becoming the only woman to win Olympic gold in two different sports—alpine super G and parallel giant slalom snowboarding. However, the Milano-Cortina schedule presents a challenge, with her planned events on the same day and four hours apart. Consequently, she will focus on securing a third consecutive snowboarding gold medal, showcasing her adaptability and determination.
Marco Odermatt: Seeking Redemption on the Slopes
Marco Odermatt from Switzerland has dominated the World Cup alpine standings for five straight seasons, amassing an impressive 96 medals, including 50 golds. A giant slalom specialist who also excels in downhill and super G, he aims for Olympic redemption after a mixed performance at Beijing 2022, where he won giant slalom but faced setbacks in other events.
Mikaela Shiffrin: A Comeback Story in the Making
Mikaela Shiffrin of the United States, the winningest alpine skier in history, experienced a disappointing Beijing 2022 with no individual medals. Now, at age 30 and recovered from a 2024 super G crash, she narrows her focus to slalom, giant slalom, and team combined events. With reduced expectations, she is poised for a strong comeback, having won 20 of the last 30 World Cup slalom races.
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen: A Brazilian Pioneer
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, competing for Brazil after a brief retirement, has a chance to become the country's first Winter Olympic medalist in slalom or giant slalom. Born in Norway, he has won 19 World Cup medals, including six golds, and seeks to improve upon his previous Olympic experience, which ended in DNFs at Beijing 2022.
Other Athletes to Watch
Beyond these stars, the 2026 Games will feature a diverse array of talent. Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo, a Norwegian cross-country skier, is known for his sprinting prowess and could add to his Olympic medal haul. Ilia Malinin, an American figure skater, has gained attention for his innovative jumps and artistic performances. The roster includes athletes from various nations, each with the potential to rise to the occasion and leave a lasting mark on Olympic history.
As the Milano-Cortina Olympics approach, these athletes represent the spirit of competition and excellence that defines the Winter Games. Their journeys, marked by resilience and skill, will undoubtedly provide thrilling moments for fans worldwide.
