Team GB Unveils Star-Studded Snowsport Squad for Milano-Cortina 2026
A formidable 20-strong Team GB snowsport squad has been officially announced for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Italy. The team is headlined by veteran alpine skier Dave Ryding, who will be competing in his fifth and final Olympic Games, and rising snowboarding star Mia Brookes, who is set to make her Olympic debut.
Veteran Leadership and Youthful Exuberance
Dave Ryding, aged 39, brings a wealth of experience to the squad, having announced that Milano-Cortina will mark his Olympic swansong. Reflecting on his remarkable career, Ryding expressed his excitement about performing in front of a central European crowd for the first time at an Olympics. "I am looking forward to performing on the biggest stage in front of a central European crowd for the first time in my Olympic career," he said. "I can't wait to get out there and into the action." He will be joined in the slalom competition by teammates Billy Major and Laurie Taylor.
In contrast, 19-year-old Mia Brookes represents the new generation of British snowsport talent. Brookes made history by becoming the youngest snowboarding world champion at just 16 years old, and she is now poised to take the Olympic stage by storm. Her inclusion highlights the blend of seasoned athletes and promising newcomers within the squad.
Depth and Talent Across Disciplines
The squad showcases strength across multiple snowsport disciplines. In the Park & Pipe events, notable names include Zoe Atkin in freeski halfpipe, Gus Kenworthy, and Kirsty Muir in freeski slopestyle and big air. The freestyle snowboard slopestyle and big air category features Mia Brookes alongside Maisie Hill and Txema Mazet-Brown.
Alpine skiing sees Dave Ryding leading the slalom team, while cross-country skiing includes athletes like James Clugnet and Andrew Musgrave. The snowboard cross events will feature 2021 world champion Charlotte Bankes, who is set for her fourth Olympic appearance, competing in both individual and team events alongside Huw Nightingale. The duo previously won a mixed team world title together.
Additional competitors include Ollie Davies in ski cross and Makayla Gerken Schofield in moguls, underscoring the squad's comprehensive coverage of snowsport events.
Historical Context and Future Aspirations
British snowsports have seen significant milestones in recent years, most notably at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics. Izzy Atkin secured Great Britain's first ever skiing medal with a bronze in Ski Slopestyle, while Billy Morgan made history as the first male British snowboarder to win an Olympic medal, claiming bronze in the inaugural Big Air competition.
Vicky Gosling, Chief Executive of GB Snowsport, praised the squad's potential. "Over the past four years, our skiers and snowboarders have shown they're capable of mixing it with the very best in the world," she stated. "The squad that's heading out for these Games is a real reflection of the talent, grit, and will to win that makes British sport so special."
Event Schedule and Final Thoughts
The Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are scheduled to commence on Friday, 6 February, and conclude on Sunday, 22 February. With a mix of experienced Olympians and exciting new talents, Team GB's snowsport squad is poised to build on past successes and aim for podium finishes in Italy. The announcement has generated considerable anticipation among fans and supporters, eager to see how the team will perform on the global stage.
