14 U.S. athletes qualified for 2026 Olympics so far, committee talks next decade of Games
(NEXSTAR MEDIA) -- As of this week, Team USA knows the names of 14 athletes who will wear red, white and blue at the 2026 Winter Olympics in February.
- Chloe Kim (Snowboarding)
- Red Gerard (Snowboarding)
- Alex Hall (Skiing - slopestyle/big air)
- Alex Ferreira (Skiing - halfpipe)
- Jaelin Kauf (Skiing - moguls)
- Quinn Dehlinger (Skiing - aerials)
- Jack Eichel (Hockey)
- Quinn Hughes (Hockey)
- Auston Matthews (Hockey)
- Charlie McAvoy (Hockey)
- Brady Tkachuk (Hockey)
- Matthew Tkachuk (Hockey)
- Cory Thiesse (Curling - mixed doubles)
- Korey Dropkin (Curling - mixed doubles)
Of these athletes, there are two returning medal winners and nine first-time participants, according to Sarah Hirshland, the CEO of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
"That bodes really well so far for the present and for the future,” she said.
Additionally, in May, the U.S. Para Hockey team also defeated rival Canada at the World Para Ice Hockey Championship in Buffalo, N.Y., and is also officially headed to the 2026 Games.
Competition is set to begin Feb. 4.
Distance between Milan and Cortina a 'challenge,' USOPC says
Milan and Cortina are roughly a five-hour drive away from each other.
Sports like ice hockey and figure skating will take place in Milan, along with the Opening Ceremony, while Cortina will host the major skiing events and sports like bobsled and skeleton.
During a media availability with the USOPC on Wednesday, Nexstar asked if there would be any streamlined transportation for spectators or athletes.
"There will absolutely be limitations and challenges being able to move freely," Hirshland said. “The practical reality is that the distances are far and wide."
She deferred to the organizing committee for any specific transportation details.
Discussing LA2028 and Salt Lake City 2034
The U.S. is set to host the Summer Games in Los Angeles in 2028 and the Winter Games in Salt Lake City in 2034.
"It should be an amazing decade of sport," said USOPC Chair Gene Sykes.
Sykes said LA2028 is now up to about 280 full-time staff members, and the event's headquarters are in downtown Los Angeles. He expects to see between 3,000 and 4,000 full-time staffers in total, as well as tens of thousands of volunteers.
The Committee addressed concerns about the LA Games in terms of the recent ICE-related protests. The USOPC said it has "every assurance from the administration" that the U.S. will be a great partner and a great host country.
"I think this is an opportunity to welcome the world. We all agree that sport is a great unifier," Hirshland said.
The USOPC said staff are currently conducting a "listening tour" across Utah to discuss the 2034 Games, where they're sharing their vision with constituents and getting feedback.