Snowboarding Stars Lead the Way
The biggest name is none other than Chloe Kim, the queen of the halfpipe. Kim has already locked in her spot and is on track to chase history by becoming the first snowboarder ever to win three consecutive Olympic golds in the halfpipe. Alongside her is Red Gerard, the slopestyle specialist who rose to fame with his gold medal in 2018 and remains a strong medal contender for 2026.
Curling Duo Secures Early Berth
In curling, the mixed doubles team of Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin punched their ticket to Milan-Cortina by winning the U.S. trials and proving themselves on the world stage. Their chemistry and consistency make them one of the top American hopes in a sport that has been gaining popularity.
Freestyle Skiing Powerhouses
Four freestyle skiers have already guaranteed their Olympic participation:
- Alex Hall (slopestyle/big air), known for his creativity and smooth style.
- Alex Ferreira (halfpipe), a proven performer with global podium finishes.
- Jaelin Kauf (moguls/dual moguls), one of the fastest and most aggressive skiers on the circuit.
- Quinn Dehlinger (aerials), an emerging star ready to shine on the Olympic stage.
These athletes bring depth and versatility to Team USA’s freestyle skiing squad.
NHL Talent Strengthens Hockey Roster
Six big names in American hockey have already been named to the preliminary Team USA roster. The lineup includes Jack Eichel, Quinn Hughes, Auston Matthews, Charlie McAvoy, Brady Tkachuk, and Matthew Tkachuk. With this core of NHL stars, Team USA is shaping up to be one of the strongest hockey teams in the tournament.
Rising Talent in Biathlon
In biathlon, Campbell Wright has secured his spot after breakthrough performances on the world stage. At just 22, Wright is seen as the future of American biathlon, a sport where the U.S. has long chased a podium finish.
The Road Ahead
While these 15 athletes are already confirmed, many more will join them over the coming months. Sports like figure skating, speed skating, alpine skiing, and ski mountaineering still have ongoing qualification events. The official rosters across all disciplines will be finalized by early 2026.
Why This Matters
Early qualifications give Team USA both momentum and confidence heading into the Winter Games. With proven champions like Chloe Kim and Auston Matthews already locked in, the United States is sending a clear message: they are ready to fight for medals across multiple sports.
As the countdown to Milan-Cortina continues, American fans can already start rallying behind these 15 trailblazers who will proudly represent the red, white, and blue in February 2026.
