Top 32 U.S. Olympians to Watch at Milan Cortina Games

The 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics will commence with a grand opening ceremony featuring concurrent cauldron lightings in both Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. This year marks the Games’ return to Italy, showcasing over 2,900 athletes across 15 venues. Here are the top 32 U.S. Olympians to watch at the Milan Cortina Games.

Figure Skating Stars

Ilia Malinin

When to watch: Men’s short program, Feb. 10, 12:30 p.m. ET; Men’s free skate, Feb. 13, 1 p.m. ET

• Age: 21
• Achievements: Two-time world champion, four consecutive national titles.
• Known as the “Quad God,” he is the only skater to land a quadruple axel in competition.

Amber Glenn

When to watch: Women’s short program, Feb. 17, 12:45 p.m. ET; Women’s free skate, Feb. 19, 1 p.m. ET

• Age: 26
• Significance: Oldest U.S. woman to qualify in singles in 98 years.
• A three-time national champion, known for performing a rare triple axel.

Alysa Liu

When to watch: Women’s short program, Feb. 17, 12:45 p.m. ET; Women’s free skate, Feb. 19, 1 p.m. ET

• Age: 20
• Notable for becoming the first American to win the world championship title since 2006.
• Returned to skating after a two-year hiatus, impressively winning her first competition back.

Madison Chock and Evan Bates

When to watch: Rhythm dance, Feb. 9, 1:20 p.m. ET; Free dance, Feb. 11, 1:30 p.m. ET

• Aged 33 and 36, respectively, they are competing together for the fourth time in the Olympics.
• Winners of the last three world championships and expected favorites for a gold medal.

Alpine Skiing Legends

Mikaela Shiffrin

When to watch: Women’s giant slalom, Feb. 15, 4 a.m. ET; Women’s slalom, Feb. 18, 7:30 a.m. ET

• Record: 107 World Cup wins; current overall standings leader for sixth time.
• After a disappointing 2022 Olympics, expectations remain high for Shiffrin, aged 30.

Lindsey Vonn

When to watch: Women’s downhill, Feb. 8, 5:30 a.m. ET; Women’s super-G, Feb. 12, 5:30 a.m. ET

• Age: 41
• She can become the oldest alpine skier to medal at the Olympics.
• Despite an injury, Vonn aims to make an impressive comeback.

Ice Hockey Highlights

Hilary Knight

When to watch: Women’s gold medal final, Feb. 19, 1:10 p.m. ET

• Aged 20 and the most decorated U.S. women’s hockey player in history.
• Leading scorer in the PWHL, marking her fifth Olympic appearance.

Laila Edwards

When to watch: Women’s gold medal final, Feb. 19, 1:10 p.m. ET

• First Black woman to represent the U.S. in Olympic hockey.
• Transitioned from forward to defense seamlessly.

Snowboarding Contenders

Chloe Kim

When to watch: Women’s halfpipe finals, Feb. 12, 12:30 p.m. ET

• Aged 25, Kim aims to secure her third consecutive Olympic halfpipe gold.
• Dealing with a shoulder injury, her competition will be fierce.

Red Gerard

When to watch: Men’s snowboard big air finals, Feb. 7, 12:30 p.m. ET; Men’s snowboard slopestyle finals, Feb. 18, 6:30 a.m. ET

• Aged 25 and the media darling of the 2018 Winter Olympics.
• Now more focused and a strong contender for slopestyle.

Speedskating Competitors

Jordan Stolz

When to watch: Men’s 1,000m, Feb. 11, 12:30 p.m. ET; Men’s 500m, Feb. 14, 10 a.m. ET; Men’s 1,500m, Feb. 19, 10:30 a.m. ET

• Age: 21
• Aims to become the second American ever to win three golds in a single Olympics.

Erin Jackson

When to watch: Women’s 500m, Feb. 12, 2:15 p.m. ET; Women’s 1,000m, Feb. 16, 5 a.m. ET

• Made history as the first Black woman to win gold in her event in 2022.
• Looks to repeat her 500m victory and make a significant mark.

Cross-Country Skiing Elite

Jessie Diggins

When to watch: Women’s 10km+10km skiathlon, Feb. 7, 7 a.m. ET; women’s team sprint, Feb. 18, 5:45 a.m. ET

• The most successful U.S. cross-country skier, announcing her final season.
• Shared a historic win in the 2018 Olympics as part of the women’s team sprint.

Deedra Irwin

When to watch: Mixed relay, Feb. 8, 8:05 a.m. ET; Women’s 15km individual, Feb. 11, 8:15 a.m. ET

• Aged 33 and determined to secure the U.S. team’s first medal in biathlon.
• Previously achieved the highest individual result for an American in the 2022 Olympics.

As the Milan Cortina Games approach, these athletes represent the strength and dedication of U.S. competitors. Fans around the world can look forward to watching their stories unfold in February.