In an extraordinary sporting comeback, Hollywood actor Gus Kenworthy is set to ski for Team GB at next month's Winter Olympics, just four years after announcing his retirement from professional competition. The 34-year-old athlete-turned-actor has successfully forced his way back into elite freestyle skiing, securing a place on the British squad for the highly anticipated Milan-Cortina Games.
From Silver Medallist to Screen Star and Back Again
Essex-born but American-raised, Kenworthy originally made his name as an Olympic skier, winning a silver medal in the Slopestyle event twelve years ago. His sporting fame reached new heights four years later when he was famously kissed live on television by US actor Matthew Wilkas during coverage of the Games. However, after competing in the 2022 Beijing Olympics, Kenworthy decided to call time on his skiing career to focus fully on his acting ambitions.
The multi-talented sportsman had already established himself in the entertainment industry, having played Chet Clancy in Season 9 of the popular television series American Horror Story. His transition from slopes to screen appeared complete until a surprising change of heart last month.
A Remarkable Late Selection for Team GB
Incredibly, Kenworthy only began his return to competitive skiing last month, yet has already achieved a world ranking of ninth heading into the Olympic competition. His rapid ascent back to elite level has astonished the skiing community and culminated in official selection for Team GB earlier this week.
Head Coach for GB Snow Sport Pat Sharples personally delivered the good news to Kenworthy in a moment captured on social media. 'I wanted to be the first one to congratulate you for being selected to Team GB for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics,' Sharples told the jubilant athlete. 'Fair play man. You pulled it off. I said the only person I knew who could do it in that time would have been you - and you did it.'
Sharples continued with genuine admiration for Kenworthy's achievement: 'Not even half-heartedly. You smashed it. Huge congrats. Good luck at the Games. Do what you do - keep yourself healthy.'
Representing His British Heritage
Kenworthy's selection marks his second appearance competing under the British flag, having switched allegiances from the United States team in 2022 to honour his British mother. This will be his fourth Olympic appearance overall, having previously represented the United States in both the 2014 and 2018 Winter Games before making the switch to Team GB.
The athlete's decision to return to competitive skiing so close to the Games represents one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent Olympic history. His journey from retirement to Olympic selection in just a few weeks demonstrates extraordinary dedication and athletic prowess.
The Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics Approach
With less than three weeks remaining until the Games commence, excitement is building for what promises to be a spectacular event. The opening ceremony will take place at Milan's iconic San Siro stadium on February 6th, marking the beginning of competitions across fifteen venues in northern Italy.
The 2026 Winter Olympics will be hosted across two main locations:
- Milan, where most indoor events will be held in inner-city arenas
- Cortina d'Ampezzo in the Alps, which will host mountain-based competitions
This marks the third time in history that Italy has hosted the Winter Olympics, following previous events in Cortina d'Ampezzo in 1956 and Turin in 2006. The dual-city approach allows for both urban and alpine settings to showcase winter sports at their finest.
Kenworthy's remarkable return adds an unexpected and compelling narrative to the British team's prospects as they prepare for competition against the world's best winter athletes. His unique journey from Olympic medallist to television actor and back to Olympic contender represents one of the most unusual career paths in modern sport.
