Your Ultimate Guide to the Stars of the Winter Games in Italy
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are almost here. From February 6-22, 2026, the world’s greatest winter sports athletes will converge on northern Italy. This historic event marks Italy’s fourth time hosting the Olympics. Over 2,900 athletes from 90+ countries will compete for 116 gold medals across 16 disciplines.
Whether you’re planning your Winter Olympics 2026 viewing schedule or looking for the best athletes to follow at Milano Cortina, this guide has you covered. Here are the 30 must-watch competitors who will define these Games.
Alpine Skiing Stars
1. Mikaela Shiffrin (USA) — Alpine Skiing
Why Watch: Seeking redemption after a disappointing Beijing 2022.
Mikaela Shiffrin is the most decorated alpine skier in World Cup history. She holds the all-time record for World Cup victories. The five-time overall World Cup champion bounced back impressively after a serious injury in late 2024.
| Career Highlights | Stats |
|---|---|
| World Cup Wins | 95+ |
| Olympic Medals | 3 (2 Gold, 1 Silver) |
| World Cup Overall Titles | 5 |
| Age | 30 |
Shiffrin struggled at Beijing 2022 but returns hungry for gold. She dominates in slalom and giant slalom. Expect her to compete for multiple medals in Cortina.
2. Lindsey Vonn (USA) — Alpine Skiing
Why Watch: The ultimate comeback story at age 41.
Lindsey Vonn’s return is the most remarkable story heading into Milano Cortina 2026. After retiring in 2019, she returned following a partial knee replacement in 2024. She then won her 83rd career World Cup victory at St. Moritz in December 2025.
| Career Highlights | Stats |
|---|---|
| World Cup Wins | 83 |
| Olympic Medals | 3 (1 Gold, 2 Bronze) |
| World Championship Titles | 2 |
| Age at 2026 Olympics | 41 |
Vonn is the oldest World Cup winner in alpine skiing history. Her fifth and final Olympics in Cortina holds special meaning. She calls it “a place that is very, very special to me.” Watch the downhill and super-G events closely.
3. Marco Odermatt (Switzerland) — Alpine Skiing
Why Watch: The dominant force in men’s alpine skiing.
Marco Odermatt is the “boogeyman” of alpine skiing. He has won four consecutive overall World Cup titles. His Beijing 2022 giant slalom gold medal started a reign of dominance.
| Career Highlights | Stats |
|---|---|
| World Cup Overall Titles | 4 consecutive |
| Olympic Gold Medals | 1 |
| World Championship Golds | 3 |
| Age | 28 |
At just 28, Odermatt has mastered both speed and technical events. He’s the clear favorite in giant slalom and super-G. His Swiss precision makes him nearly unbeatable.
4. Aleksander Aamodt Kilde (Norway) — Alpine Skiing
Why Watch: Returning from a devastating injury to compete alongside fiancée Mikaela Shiffrin.
Kilde is one of the world’s premier speed racers. He won two Olympic medals in Beijing 2022 and four World Cup discipline titles. A January 2024 crash caused serious nerve damage and infections. His recovery has been remarkable.
| Career Highlights | Stats |
|---|---|
| Olympic Medals | 2 |
| World Championship Medals | 2 |
| World Cup Discipline Titles | 4 |
| Age | 33 |
A healthy and hungry Kilde could surprise the field. Watch him in the downhill and super-G events.
Figure Skating Phenoms
5. Ilia Malinin (USA) — Figure Skating
Why Watch: The “Quad God” seeking his first Olympic gold.
Ilia Malinin is the most dominant figure skater on the planet. He is undefeated in competition since 2023. The 21-year-old has won four consecutive U.S. championships, three Grand Prix Finals, and two world championships.
| Career Highlights | Stats |
|---|---|
| World Titles | 2 (2024, 2025) |
| U.S. Titles | 4 consecutive |
| Grand Prix Final Wins | 3 consecutive |
| Historic Achievement | First to land quadruple Axel |
Malinin is the first and only skater to land a quadruple Axel in competition. He recently landed seven clean quads in a single free skate. The only accolade missing from his résumé is Olympic gold. Expect history in Milan.
6. Amber Glenn (USA) — Figure Skating
Why Watch: First openly queer U.S. woman in Olympic singles skating.
Amber Glenn won her third consecutive U.S. title in January 2026. She’s the first American woman to achieve this since Michelle Kwan. Her powerful triple Axel makes her a medal favorite.
| Career Highlights | Stats |
|---|---|
| U.S. Titles | 3 consecutive (2024-2026) |
| Grand Prix Final Champion | 2024-25 |
| Age | 26 |
| Notable | First openly LGBTQ+ U.S. women’s singles Olympian |
Glenn is the oldest American woman to qualify for the Olympic singles team since 1928. Her journey represents longevity in a sport that often favors youth. Watch her fight for America’s first women’s figure skating medal since 2006.
7. Alysa Liu (USA) — Figure Skating
Why Watch: The reigning world champion seeking Olympic glory.
Alysa Liu won the 2025 World Figure Skating Championships. She came out of retirement to return to elite skating. Her combination of technical difficulty and artistic maturity makes her a gold medal contender.
| Career Highlights | Stats |
|---|---|
| World Title | 2025 |
| U.S. Titles | 2 (2019, 2020) |
| Age | 20 |
| Olympic Experience | Beijing 2022 (6th place) |
Liu finished second at the 2026 U.S. Championships. Together with Glenn and Isabeau Levito, U.S. women’s figure skating is the strongest it’s been in decades.
8. Madison Chock & Evan Bates (USA) — Ice Dance
Why Watch: Seven-time U.S. champions hunting for gold.
Madison Chock and Evan Bates won their historic seventh consecutive U.S. ice dance title in 2026. They are the reigning world champions. Their chemistry and artistry captivate audiences worldwide.
| Career Highlights | Stats |
|---|---|
| U.S. Titles | 7 consecutive |
| World Titles | 1 |
| Olympic Experience | 3 previous Games |
| Partnership Duration | 10+ years |
This will be their fourth Olympic Games together. They finally have a clear path to gold after years of French dominance. Watch for one of the most anticipated performances of the Games.
Speed Skating Dominators
9. Jordan Stolz (USA) — Speed Skating
Why Watch: Chasing Eric Heiden’s legendary record.
Jordan Stolz is the world’s fastest speed skater. The 21-year-old Wisconsin native could become the second American to win three or more gold medals at one Winter Olympics. Only Eric Heiden achieved this feat in 1980.
| Career Highlights | Stats |
|---|---|
| World Championship Golds | 7 |
| Events at Olympics | 500m, 1000m, 1500m, Mass Start |
| Age | 21 |
| Current Season | Undefeated in 1000m and 1500m |
Stolz has been called “untouchable” and “unbeatable.” He inspired to skate after watching the 2010 Vancouver Olympics as a child. Now he’s the heavy favorite across multiple distances.
10. Jenning de Boo (Netherlands) — Speed Skating
Why Watch: The rising Dutch star challenging American dominance.
Jenning de Boo represents the next generation of Dutch speed skating excellence. The 21-year-old sprinter snapped Jordan Stolz’s streak of 500m world titles in 2025. He’s Stolz’s fiercest rival.
| Career Highlights | Stats |
|---|---|
| World Championship | 500m Gold (2025) |
| Specialty | Sprint distances |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Age | 21 |
The Netherlands has a proud speed skating tradition. De Boo carries that legacy forward as he battles Stolz for sprint supremacy.
Snowboarding and Freestyle Skiing Icons
11. Chloe Kim (USA) — Snowboarding Halfpipe
Why Watch: Attempting to become the first three-time halfpipe gold medalist.
Chloe Kim is the most dominant women’s halfpipe snowboarder ever. She won gold at PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022. She’s chasing an unprecedented third consecutive Olympic title.
| Career Highlights | Stats |
|---|---|
| Olympic Gold Medals | 2 |
| X Games Gold Medals | 8 (tied for record) |
| World Championship Titles | 3 |
| Age | 25 |
Kim suffered a torn labrum in January 2026 but confirmed she will compete. She became the first woman to land a cab double cork 1080 in competition. Recovery time is tight, but never count out the GOAT of halfpipe.
12. Eileen Gu (China) — Freestyle Skiing
Why Watch: The teenage sensation returns after a historic Beijing 2022.
Eileen Gu won three medals at Beijing 2022, including two golds. She became the youngest Olympic champion in freestyle skiing at age 18. The Chinese American star balances competitive skiing with Stanford studies.
| Career Highlights | Stats |
|---|---|
| Olympic Medals | 3 (2 Gold, 1 Silver) |
| Beijing 2022 Events | Big Air, Halfpipe, Slopestyle |
| Age | 22 |
| Studies | Stanford University |
Gu faces the weight of expectations from China. She primarily focuses on halfpipe this Olympic cycle. Expect her to challenge for gold again in Livigno.
13. Red Gerard (USA) — Snowboarding Slopestyle
Why Watch: The 2018 teen sensation is now an experienced champion.
Red Gerard shocked the world by winning slopestyle gold at PyeongChang 2018 at age 17. He’s qualified for his third Olympic Games. His style and technical ability continue to impress.
| Career Highlights | Stats |
|---|---|
| Olympic Gold Medals | 1 (PyeongChang 2018) |
| Events | Slopestyle, Big Air |
| Olympic Games | 3rd appearance |
| Age | 25 |
Gerard has matured into one of slopestyle’s most complete riders. His experience gives him an edge over younger competitors.
Ice Hockey Superstars
14. Connor McDavid (Canada) — Ice Hockey
Why Watch: The world’s best hockey player finally reaches the Olympic stage.
Connor McDavid is widely considered the greatest hockey player alive. NHL players return to the Olympics for the first time since 2014. McDavid leads a stacked Team Canada roster.
| Career Highlights | Stats |
|---|---|
| NHL MVP Awards | 3 |
| Scoring Titles | Multiple |
| Position | Center |
| Team | Edmonton Oilers |
Canada’s roster features McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Sidney Crosby. It’s the most talented Olympic hockey team in memory. Gold is the only acceptable outcome.
15. Nathan MacKinnon (Canada) — Ice Hockey
Why Watch: ESPN ranks him as the top player at the Olympics.
Nathan MacKinnon leads all NHL players in statistical metrics heading into the Games. He won the 2023-24 NHL MVP award. His Colorado Avalanche teammate Cale Makar joins him on defense.
| Career Highlights | Stats |
|---|---|
| NHL MVP | 2023-24 |
| Stanley Cup Champion | 2022 |
| Position | Center |
| Team | Colorado Avalanche |
MacKinnon has been on a tear since the holiday break. He averages over 2 points per game in recent stretches. Expect him to be a difference-maker for Canada.
16. Sidney Crosby (Canada) — Ice Hockey
Why Watch: The legendary captain returns for perhaps his last Olympic chance.
Sidney Crosby won Olympic gold in 2010 and 2014. This could be his final opportunity to add more Olympic hardware. At 38, his leadership is invaluable to Team Canada.
| Career Highlights | Stats |
|---|---|
| Olympic Gold Medals | 2 (2010, 2014) |
| Stanley Cup Championships | 3 |
| NHL MVP Awards | 2 |
| Position | Center |
Crosby’s “Golden Goal” in 2010 remains one of hockey’s most iconic moments. He brings championship pedigree to a young Canadian team.
17. Marie-Philip Poulin (Canada) — Women’s Ice Hockey
Why Watch: “Captain Clutch” leads Canada in pursuit of another gold.
Marie-Philip Poulin has scored game-winning goals in multiple Olympic gold medal games. She’s the face of women’s hockey in Canada. Her clutch performances have earned her legendary status.
| Career Highlights | Stats |
|---|---|
| Olympic Gold Medals | 3 |
| Gold Medal Game Goals | Multiple |
| Nickname | “Captain Clutch” |
| Position | Forward |
Canada won gold in Beijing 2022 and will be favorites again. Poulin’s experience and leadership make Canada formidable.
Cross-Country Skiing Champions
18. Johannes Høsflot Klæbo (Norway) — Cross-Country Skiing
Why Watch: The greatest cross-country skier of his generation.
Johannes Høsflot Klæbo has over 100 World Cup victories. He’s not yet 30 years old. The Norwegian dominates both sprint and distance events.
| Career Highlights | Stats |
|---|---|
| World Cup Wins | 100+ |
| Olympic Gold Medals | 5 |
| Age | 29 |
| Specialty | Sprint and distance |
Klæbo is on track to become the most decorated cross-country skier in history. His Beijing 2022 performances were legendary. Expect more gold in Tesero.
Biathlon Contenders
19. Quentin Fillon Maillet (France) — Biathlon
Why Watch: The five-medal hero from Beijing 2022.
Quentin Fillon Maillet won five medals at Beijing 2022, including two golds. He became the first athlete to win five medals in a single Winter Olympics since 1980. He remains a dominant force.
| Career Highlights | Stats |
|---|---|
| Beijing 2022 Medals | 5 (2 Gold, 3 Silver) |
| Events | Individual, Pursuit, Sprint, Relay |
| Country | France |
| Age | 33 |
With the Boe brothers retired, Fillon Maillet leads the next generation. France expects more medals from their star at Anterselva.
20. Eric Perrot (France) — Biathlon
Why Watch: The rising star expected to make his Olympic debut.
Eric Perrot is the reigning world champion in the 20km individual event. The young Frenchman has emerged as a top medal contender. Milano Cortina 2026 will be his first Olympic Games.
| Career Highlights | Stats |
|---|---|
| World Championship Gold | 20km Individual (2025) |
| Olympic Games | Debut |
| Country | France |
| Status | Rising star |
Perrot represents France’s bright future in biathlon. Watch him challenge for medals across multiple events.
21. Campbell Wright (USA) — Biathlon
Why Watch: America’s best chance at its first Olympic biathlon medal.
Campbell Wright won two silver medals at the 2025 World Championships. The United States has never won an Olympic medal in biathlon. Wright has a realistic chance to break that drought.
| Career Highlights | Stats |
|---|---|
| World Championship Silvers | 2 (2025) |
| Age | 23 |
| Country | United States |
| Potential Achievement | First U.S. Olympic biathlon medal |
Wright has emerged as a genuine medal threat. American biathlon fans have reason to be excited.
Bobsled and Sliding Sports Legends
22. Francesco Friedrich (Germany) — Bobsled
Why Watch: The greatest bobsled pilot ever, in his final Olympics.
Francesco Friedrich has won four Olympic gold medals. He achieved the unprecedented double-double at Beijing 2022 (two-man and four-man gold in consecutive Games). This will be his final competition.
| Career Highlights | Stats |
|---|---|
| Olympic Gold Medals | 4 |
| World Championship Titles | 11+ |
| Events | Two-man, Four-man |
| Status | Final Olympics |
Friedrich plans to retire after Milano Cortina 2026. He can break the record for most Olympic bobsled gold medals. Germany’s sliding dominance continues.
23. Kaillie Humphries (USA) — Bobsled
Why Watch: The Canadian-turned-American icon adds to her legacy.
Kaillie Humphries has won Olympic gold medals for both Canada and the United States. She won monobob gold in Beijing 2022 for Team USA. She’s won four Olympic medals across her career.
| Career Highlights | Stats |
|---|---|
| Olympic Gold Medals | 4 |
| Countries Represented | Canada, USA |
| Events | Two-woman, Monobob |
| World Championship Titles | Multiple |
Humphries remains a medal contender at 41. Her experience and skill make her dangerous in both bobsled events.
24. Wolfgang Kindl (Austria) — Luge
Why Watch: The consistent veteran seeks individual gold.
Wolfgang Kindl won two silver medals at Beijing 2022. The Austrian luger is known for his consistency and resilience. He’s a perennial medal contender.
| Career Highlights | Stats |
|---|---|
| Olympic Silver Medals | 2 (Beijing 2022) |
| Events | Singles, Team Relay |
| Country | Austria |
| Reputation | Consistent podium finisher |
Kindl will challenge the German dominance in sliding sports. The Cortina Sliding Centre awaits.
Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined Athletes
25. Stefan Kraft (Austria) — Ski Jumping
Why Watch: The highest points scorer in World Cup history chasing individual gold.
Stefan Kraft is one of the most successful ski jumpers of all time. He held the world record of 253.5 meters. He won team gold at Beijing 2022 but seeks individual Olympic gold.
| Career Highlights | Stats |
|---|---|
| World Cup Titles | 3 |
| World Championship Individual Golds | 3 |
| Team Olympic Gold | Beijing 2022 |
| World Record | 253.5m (2017-2025) |
At 32, Kraft knows this may be his last chance at individual Olympic gold. Watch the normal and large hill events in Predazzo.
26. Nika Prevc (Slovenia) — Ski Jumping
Why Watch: The young world record holder making her Olympic debut.
Nika Prevc won her first World Cup Crystal Globe at 19. She holds the women’s ski jumping world record. Milano Cortina 2026 will be her Olympic debut.
| Career Highlights | Stats |
|---|---|
| World Cup Overall Title | 2024-25 |
| World Record Holder | Yes |
| Age | 20 |
| Olympic Games | Debut |
The 2026 Games will feature the first women’s individual large hill event. Prevc is the heavy favorite.
Rising Stars and Breakthrough Athletes
27. Emily Harrop (France) — Ski Mountaineering
Why Watch: The favorite in ski mountaineering’s Olympic debut.
Ski mountaineering makes its Olympic debut at Milano Cortina 2026. Emily Harrop leads the World Cup rankings. The French star is expected to dominate the new discipline.
| Career Highlights | Stats |
|---|---|
| World Cup Ranking | #1 (Sprint, Mixed Relay) |
| Country | France |
| Event | Ski Mountaineering (Olympic debut) |
| Significance | New Olympic sport |
Harrop carries on France’s dominance in the sport. Watch history being made in Bormio.
28. Stefania Constantini & Amos Mosaner (Italy) — Curling
Why Watch: The undefeated Italian duo competes at home.
Stefania Constantini and Amos Mosaner have never lost in international mixed doubles competition. They went 11-0 at Beijing 2022 to win gold. They repeated the feat at the 2025 World Championships.
| Career Highlights | Stats |
|---|---|
| International Record | Undefeated |
| Olympic Gold | Beijing 2022 |
| World Championship Gold | 2025 |
| Status | Competing at home |
The Italians will have massive home crowd support. Can they extend their perfect record?
29. Flora & Miro Tabanelli (Italy) — Freestyle Skiing
Why Watch: Italian siblings making their Olympic debut on home snow.
Flora and Miro Tabanelli represent Italy’s freestyle skiing future. Flora, 17, won gold at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games. Both will compete in Livigno.
| Career Highlights | Stats |
|---|---|
| Flora’s Achievement | Youth Olympic Gold (2024) |
| Events | Slopestyle, Big Air |
| Home Country | Italy |
| Age | Both 17 |
The siblings grew up skiing in the Italian mountains. Their Olympic debut at home is a fairytale story.
30. Lara Colturi (Albania) — Alpine Skiing
Why Watch: An 18-year-old chasing history for Albania.
Lara Colturi was born in Turin, Italy but represents Albania. She’s pursuing Albania’s first-ever medal at a Winter Olympics. Her talent has turned heads across the alpine skiing world.
| Career Highlights | Stats |
|---|---|
| Country | Albania (born in Italy) |
| Events | Alpine Skiing |
| Age | 18 |
| Goal | Albania’s first Winter Olympic medal |
Colturi represents the globalization of winter sports. Her story will captivate audiences regardless of results.
Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | February 6-22, 2026 |
| Host Cities | Milan & Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy |
| Athletes | ~2,900 from 90+ countries |
| Events | 116 medal events |
| Sports | 8 sports, 16 disciplines |
| New Sport | Ski Mountaineering |
| Mascot | Tina (white stoat) |
| Motto | “IT’s Your Vibe” |
How to Watch the 2026 Winter Olympics
Broadcasters vary by location. Check your local providers for coverage details. Many events will stream online through official Olympic media rights holders. NBC holds broadcast rights in the United States.
Final Thoughts
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics promise unforgettable moments. From Lindsey Vonn’s miraculous comeback to Ilia Malinin’s quest for figure skating immortality, these Games will deliver drama.
Watch for Jordan Stolz chasing Eric Heiden’s record. Cheer for Chloe Kim as she fights through injury. Witness NHL stars return to Olympic ice for the first time since 2014.
Bookmark this guide for the best athletes to watch at Milano Cortina 2026. The winter sports world is about to shine in Italy.
