U.S. Ski & Snowboard has unveiled its star-studded 97-athlete roster for the upcoming Milano Cortina Winter Games, and it’s loaded with history, comebacks, and heartbreak. At the forefront: two of the greatest Alpine skiers ever—Mikaela Shiffrin, the most decorated in history with multiple Olympic golds, World Cup records, and unmatched dominance; and Lindsey Vonn, the 41-year-old speed queen making an unbelievable return after retirement, surgeries (including a partial knee replacement), and years away. Vonn’s selection for her fifth Olympics screams resilience and podium potential, turning heads worldwide.
The women’s Alpine team is stacked: Shiffrin (two-time Olympic champ, three-time medalist) headlines alongside Vonn (2010 downhill gold, three-time medalist), Breezy Johnson (downhill world champ, back post-injury), Paula Moltzan, Nina O’Brien, Jacqueline Wiles, Isabella Wright, and rising stars like Mary Bocock, Keely Cashman, Katie Hensien, and AJ Hurt. This group blends proven winners, technical masters, and speed demons—poised to dominate events from slalom to downhill and deliver a serious medal haul.
But the buzz isn’t all positive. Snowboarding superstar Jamie Anderson—two-time Olympic gold medalist in slopestyle (2014, 2018), a three-time Olympian, and a symbol of U.S. winter success—didn’t make the cut. After stepping away to start a family (welcoming two daughters since Beijing 2022), Anderson staged a gritty comeback this season despite setbacks like a broken wrist, mastitis, and tough falls. Limited quota spots in women’s slopestyle and big air meant she was outranked by teammates like Lily Dhawornvej, Hahna Norman, and Jess Perlmutter based on World Snowboarding Points List results. Her absence adds raw emotion to the narrative: the cruel side of elite sports, where even legends face tough cuts.
The full U.S. Ski & Snowboard team features other headliners like snowboarder Chloe Kim (chasing historic three-peat gold) and cross-country skier Jessie Diggins, with nearly half the squad as first-time Olympians. From Shiffrin’s quest to cement GOAT status to Vonn defying age and odds, this lineup blends sustained excellence, epic redemption, and fresh energy.
Team USA is sending a clear message: They’re coming to Italy to contend hard and make history. The drama, passion, and medal potential are off the charts—social media is exploding, and casual fans are tuning back in. With the Games just weeks away, one thing’s certain: Milano Cortina 2026 is about to be unforgettable.
Who are you rooting for hardest—Shiffrin’s record chase, Vonn’s comeback fairy tale, or feeling for Anderson’s snub? Drop your thoughts!
