The countdown to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina has begun, and for a handful of American athletes, the journey is already looking historic. These aren’t just competitors hoping to make the team; this top five list is aiming to redefine what’s possible in their sports.
From backyard ice rinks in Wisconsin to world-class slopes in Europe, these athletes are pushing limits, breaking records, and overcoming incredible odds. Whether it’s chasing redemption, continuing a legacy, or becoming an unexpected breakout star, their stories are as exciting as the Games themselves.
The Top Five List
1. Jordan Stolz
At just 21 years old, Jordan Stolz is taking the speed skating world by storm. What started as a kid skating on a frozen pond in Wisconsin has turned into a dazzling career. After a quiet Olympic debut in 2022, Stolz came back with a vengeance by winning three individual golds at a single World Championship—a feat no other man has achieved.
His dominance on the World Cup circuit has already secured his spot in 2026, and his coach, Bob Corby, even came out of retirement to guide him. With world records to his name, Stolz is making it clear that the competition is racing for second place. Stolz is the clear Number One on this top five list.
2. Erin Jackson
Erin Jackson’s journey is pure determination. She made history in 2022 as the first Black woman to win an individual gold medal at the Winter Olympics. Despite battling injuries, Jackson is back on the podium, breaking American records in the 500m, and gearing up for another shot at glory in 2026.
3. Alysa Liu
Alysa Liu is on a mission to make 2026 her moment. At just 20 years old, the reigning world champion figure skater is delivering some of her best performances yet. Her gold-medal win at the Grand Prix Final in Nagoya was a season highlight, and she’s focusing on the fundamentals to stay on top.
“It sounds silly, but it’s so easy to forget to breathe when you’re in the moment,” Liu said.. “Breathing is part of your movement, so I made sure to do it throughout my program.” With her momentum building, Liu is a strong contender for Olympic gold.
4. Ilia Malinin
Known as the “Quad God,” Ilia Malinin is redefining the possibilities of figure skating. He made history as the first skater to land seven quadruple jumps in one program, including the elusive quadruple axel.
His performance at the Grand Prix Final was nothing short of jaw-dropping, securing a massive victory by nearly 30 points. With a winning streak that rivals legends like Nathan Chen, Malinin is poised not just to win gold in 2026 but to rewrite the sport’s history books in the process.
5. Mikaela Shiffrin
Mikaela Shiffrin isn’t just competing; she’s making history. With over 100 World Cup wins, she’s already the greatest alpine skier of all time, but she’s not done yet. Her recent victory in Courchevel, France, where she dominated by 1.55 seconds, proves she’s skiing at her peak
“I’m just pushing. I’m not asking questions. Sometimes you just have to take it and roll with it,” Shiffrin said. Already qualified for 2026, Shiffrin is rewriting the rulebook on what greatness looks like, showing no signs of slowing down. Although listed last, if the top five list were built by emotion, she would be first.
The Series: Countdown – Days Until The Winter Olympics
As the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics approach, there are so many great stories. The following is a historical list of stories as we move to Day One in Italy on February 6, 2026.
