Anabelle Zurbay: Olympians Are Commonplace at My School

At just 17 years old, Anabelle Zurbay is making headlines as she prepares for the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina 2026. Her journey, however, has not been without challenges. She began skiing at the tender age of two and has quickly risen through the ranks to earn her spot on the Irish Olympic team.

Anabelle Zurbay’s Path to the Olympics

Born in Minnesota, Zurbay relocated to Colorado at age 10 to enhance her skiing potential. This decision was pivotal in her development as an athlete. Her Irish Olympic eligibility is linked to her grandmother, Rosaleen McCarthy Miskella, who hailed from Rosemount, Co. Westmeath, and now resides in Wisconsin.

Zurbay stands out on the Irish team not only as the only woman among her four male teammates, but also as a flagbearer during the opening ceremony. She will compete in the slalom and giant slalom events, highlighting her prowess in alpine skiing.

Early Influences and Training

From a young age, Zurbay was immersed in winter sports, recalling her earliest memory of learning to ski. Her parents, Sarah and Dale Zurbay, have played an instrumental role in her success, spending three decades coaching at a ski school in Minnesota. Now, they continue to support her as she trains at the Vail Ski and Snowboard Academy in Colorado.

• Age of First Ski Memory: 2
• Current Age: 17
• Training Location: Vail Ski and Snowboard Academy
• Number of Competitors in Irish Team: 4

The Vail Academy is unique in the U.S., combining rigorous skiing training with standard schooling. This structure has enabled Zurbay to balance her academic responsibilities with her athletic aspirations. She noted, “At my school, becoming an Olympian is quite normal.”

Irish Winter Olympics History

Ireland has a relatively short history in the Winter Olympics, first competing in 1992 in Albertville. Lord Wrottesley marked a significant achievement for the nation with his fourth-place finish in the skeleton event at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. However, challenges remain for winter athletes in Ireland, including limited access to training facilities.

Funding and Support for Winter Athletes

As of now, Sport Ireland does not offer international carding funding for Winter Olympic athletes. Yet, Team Ireland has received €200,000 in funding between 2023 and 2026 to support winter sports initiatives. The Olympic Federation of Ireland is also backing the Prime Arena development in south Co Dublin, which plans to include two Olympic-sized ice rinks for future athletes.

Upcoming Events for Team Ireland

As the Olympics approach, Zurbay and her teammates are gearing up for the competition. Key dates for Team Ireland include:

With her determination and talent, Anabelle Zurbay is poised to make a significant impact at the Winter Olympics, representing both her sport and her heritage. Her journey illustrates the growing presence of Olympians in schools like hers, where aspiring athletes believe that reaching the Olympic stage is within their grasp.