The 2026 Winter Olympics are poised to ignite the frosty landscapes of Milan-Cortina, as the world's elite snow and ice athletes prepare to deliver scorching performances over the coming fortnight. With the opening ceremony scheduled for Friday, this grand sporting spectacle will unfold across northern Italy until February 22, offering competitors a chance to carve their names into Olympic history on slopes, rinks, and tracks.
Hottest Contenders for Podium Glory
While the action may unfold over ice and snow, the athletes themselves are set to turn up the heat with their remarkable talents and compelling backstories. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, these individuals have already captured global attention through their trophy-laden careers, social media fame, high-profile relationships, or lucrative brand endorsements. One certainty is that they will make the chilly air of Cortina sizzle as they chase gold on the Olympic stage.
Mikaela Shiffrin: Alpine Skiing Icon
Age: 30
Country: USA
Discipline: Alpine Skiing
Olympic Medals: 2 gold, 1 silver
Mikaela Shiffrin stands as one of the most renowned figures heading to Italy, where she aims to break the record for most Olympic alpine gold medals by an American. The 30-year-old from Colorado is in imperious form, having recently secured the slalom season title and becoming the first skier in World Cup history with nine season titles in a single discipline. However, her journey is not solely about medals; it is also a quest for redemption after a disappointing performance in Beijing, where she failed to finish three races. Compounding this challenge, Shiffrin will compete without her fiancé, Norwegian skier Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, who withdrew due to injury.
Chloe Kim: Snowboarding Sensation
Age: 25
Country: USA
Discipline: Snowboard Halfpipe
Olympic Medals: 2 gold
Chloe Kim, a former teenage phenom who won gold at age 17 in 2018, now seeks to become the first snowboarder to claim three consecutive gold medals in the halfpipe. Despite a torn labrum injury that threatened her participation, the 25-year-old has confirmed her place in Milan-Cortina. Off the slopes, Kim's profile has soared thanks to her relationship with NFL star Myles Garrett and a stream of brand deals, including a Barbie doll made in her honour by Mattel.
Eileen Gu: Freestyle Skiing Star
Age: 22
Country: China
Discipline: Freestyle Skiing
Olympic Medals: 2 gold, 1 silver
Eileen Gu, the poster girl of the 2022 Olympics, boasts a glittering career with two golds and a silver from Beijing, alongside 15 World Cup titles. Born in San Francisco, she switched to represent China at age 15, a move that sparked controversy but has not hindered her success. Gu's appeal extends beyond skiing, with endorsement deals from brands like Cadillac and Tiffany's, earning her a spot as one of the highest-paid female athletes.
Lindsey Vonn: Downhill Legend
Age: 41
Country: USA
Discipline: Alpine Skiing
Olympic Medals: 1 gold, 2 bronze
Lindsey Vonn makes a remarkable comeback after rupturing knee ligaments just before the Olympics, defying expectations to compete in Cortina. The 41-year-old, who won downhill gold in 2010, has surged back to form since ending a five-year retirement, winning a World Cup event last December. Her participation boosts the games' profile, supported by brand deals with Red Bull and Rolex.
Jutta Leerdam: Speed Skating Star
Age: 27
Country: Netherlands
Discipline: Speed Skating
Olympic Medals: 1 silver
Jutta Leerdam has gained fame both for her romance with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul and her prowess on ice, with World Championship titles and an Olympic silver. After a tense qualification process, she will compete in the 500m and 1,000m events, amassing over four million Instagram followers along the way.
Sidney Crosby: Hockey Hero
Age: 38
Country: Canada
Discipline: Hockey
Olympic Medals: 2 gold
Sidney Crosby, no longer 'Sid the Kid' but still a revered name, headlines the return of NHL stars to the Olympics after a 12-year hiatus. The Canada captain, with three Stanley Cups and two Olympic golds, aims for another triumph in what may be his final Olympic appearance.
Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo: Cross-Country King
Age: 29
Country: Norway
Discipline: Cross-Country Skiing
Olympic Medals: 5 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze
Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo, a key figure in Norway's medal table dominance, is the man to beat with seven Olympic medals to his name. His fame in Norway rivals that of American sports stars, backed by numerous endorsement deals.
Taylor Lawrence: Bobsleigh Brakeman
Age: 29
Country: Great Britain
Discipline: Bobsleigh
Olympic Medals: None
Standing at 6-foot-4, Taylor Lawrence is a formidable presence on Team GB, having joined the bobsleigh team in 2019 after serving as a Royal Marine Commando. As brakeman for pilot Brad Hall, he is a key medal hope for Britain.
Laila Edwards: Hockey History-Maker
Age: 21
Country: USA
Discipline: Hockey
Olympic Medals: None
Laila Edwards will make history as the first black player to represent the USA women's hockey team at the Olympics. Supported by the Kelce brothers, the 21-year-old from Ohio has quickly risen to prominence, winning MVP at the world championships.
