Olympics 2026: Meet the Team USA Athletes Going for Gold in the Milan Cortina Winter Games
It’s game on at the 2026 Olympics.
With the Milano Cortina Winter Games running Feb. 6 to 22, there is plenty to see as over 2,800 athletes from more than 90 countries compete for a chance to take home a gold medal.
In fact, this year’s sporting event—co-hosted for the first time in Olympic history by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo in Northern Italy—will feature a record-breaking 116 events across 16 disciplines, including figure skating, ice hockey, snowboarding, curling and luge.
But even before what’s sure to be the show-stopping Opening Ceremony on Feb. 7, there was already tons of action on the ground between qualifiers and training sessions.
Lindsey Vonn had a sweet reunion with fellow U.S. skiers Isabella Wright and Mary Bocock on Feb. 3 after suffering an ACL injury three days prior, receiving a warm welcome filled with hugs and high-fives.
“I’ve been working really hard to come into these Games in a much different position,” Vonn told reporters during a press conference with her teammates, per NBC News. “I know what my chances were before the crash, and I know my chances aren’t the same, as it stands today.”
She continued, “But I know there’s still a chance, and as long as there’s a chance, I will try.”
And while Vonn’s first event has been set for Feb. 8, the U.S. mixed doubles curling team became one step closer to the podium by defeating Norway and Switzerland during round robin matches on Feb. 5.
Al Bello/Getty Images
Meanwhile, the U.S. women’s hockey team also came out victorious when they played Czechia in a preliminary round Feb. 5. The 5-1 game was also especially important for Laila Edwards, who became the first Black woman to represent U.S. in Olympic hockey.
“I’m really proud,” her mom Charone Gray-Edwards told NBC News ahead of the match. “She’s an awesome hockey player, so I don’t want people to forget that part. But yes, it is a milestone. It’s an accomplishment that she’s the first Black woman.”
To see more memorable moments and can’t-miss photos from the 2026 Olympics, read on.
Federico Manoni/NurPhoto via Getty Images
On the B-rink of History
Laila Edwards, the first Black woman representing the U.S. in Olympic hockey, faces off against Czech player Sara Cajanova during the United States vs. Czech Republic game on Feb. 5.
Hannah Peters/Getty Images
Friendship Knows No Borders
Australian snowboarder Valentino Guseli shares a hug with Team Czechia’s Jakub Hrones during the men’s snowboard big air qualifiers on Feb. 5.
Javier SORIANO / AFP via Getty Images
Photo Finish
Bulgarian ski jumper Vladimir Zografski hits the brakes during a Feb. 5 training session.
Al Bello/Getty Images
Swept Away With Joy
American curler Korey Dropkin lets out a victorious shout after his team defeats Switzerland in a mixed doubles round bobin match on Feb. 5.
Al Bello/Getty Images
Teammates
Lindsey Vonn greets fellow U.S. skiers Mary Bocock and Isabella Wright during a Feb. 3 press conference.
Catch up on the biggest 2026 Olympics highlights on E! Online and the E! News app.
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