Utah Sends 81 Athletes to Compete in 2026 Winter Olympics

SALT LAKE CITY — The upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina will prominently feature athletes with connections to Utah. Team USA’s final roster, released recently, includes 81 athletes with Utah ties, marking a significant representation for the state. This accounts for nearly one-third of the entire U.S. team of 232 athletes, underscoring Utah’s growing influence on the global Olympic stage.

The impressive numbers reflect the evolution of Utah as a hub for winter sports development. According to Jeff Robbins, president and CEO of the Utah Sports Commission, the state has undergone a remarkable transformation since hosting the 2002 Winter Games. “Going back from before 2002, when we really didn’t have many athletes here, to where we are now, it has been a remarkable evolution for the state,” Robbins stated.

Utah’s Olympic momentum has accelerated due to world-class venues and year-round training opportunities. National governing bodies such as U.S. Ski and Snowboard, U.S. Speedskating, U.S. Biathlon, and USA Climbing have established their bases in Utah, contributing to the development of elite athletes. Robbins highlighted the sustained investment from both communities and the state as a pivotal factor in this success.

Among those representing Utah is Nick Page, a freestyle mogul skier from Park City, who will compete in his second Olympic Games. Page, who has trained in Utah since he was seven years old, expressed pride in the state’s Olympic legacy. “You see this pool behind us? I have basically lived here since I started when I was 7 years old… We’re really so lucky to have this right at our fingertips,” he remarked during a training session at the Utah Olympic Park.

Of the 81 athletes with ties to Utah, 36 will make their Olympic debut. The roster includes four Olympic champions and 14 Olympic medalists, showcasing a mix of experience and emerging talent. Page emphasized the camaraderie among athletes in Utah, stating, “It’s been like that for so many different athletes in Park City and in Utah. We’re fortunate here.”

As the world prepares for the Winter Olympics, Team USA’s roster highlights the impact of Utah on international sports. With the Opening Ceremony set for February 6, 2026, anticipation builds not only for the competition but also for the stories of the athletes who have trained diligently to reach this prestigious event.

Utah’s significant representation at the Winter Olympics is not just a testament to individual talent; it reflects the collective dedication of communities, organizations, and athletes who have invested in the future of winter sports.