Record‑Size U.S. Team Finalized for Milan‑Cortina The United States qualified more than 250 athletes for the 2026 Winter Games, but only 234 will travel, establishing the largest Winter Olympic roster in U.S. history and surpassing the 2018 high of 228 competitors [1][2]. The roster covers every winter discipline, from alpine skiing to luge, and reflects a surge in national participation across the sport spectrum. The team will compete in Milan‑Cortina from February 6‑22, 2026 [3].

State Contributions Highlight Colorado Dominance Colorado leads all states with 31 Olympians, spanning skiing, snowboarding, figure skating and bobsled, and includes marquee names such as Mikaela Shiffrin and Lindsey Vonn [1][2]. Minnesota follows with 24 athletes, featuring biathletes, curlers and a prominent ice‑hockey contingent that includes Brock Nelson and Jake Guentzel [1][2]. California (19), Utah (16) and Massachusetts (12) round out the top five, supplying competitors in events from speedskating to luge [1][2].

International Additions Expand U.S. Roster The U.S. squad incorporates three non‑American athletes: two Canadians and one Ukrainian, broadening the team’s North‑American representation while Paralympic athletes remain excluded from this count [1][2]. These athletes earned spots through the same qualification standards as their American teammates, reinforcing the roster’s depth and diversity.

U.S. Medal History and Delegation Leadership Historically, the United States holds the second‑most Winter Olympic medals with 330 total and 114 golds, trailing Norway’s 405 medals and 148 golds [3]. The American figure‑skating team, led by Ilia Malinin—who is the only skater to land a quadruple axel in competition—aims to add to that legacy [3]. President Donald Trump appointed Vice President JD Vance, his wife Usha, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and ambassador Tilman Feritta to head the U.S. delegation, joined by several former Olympians [3].

Protests and Security Concerns Surface in Milan Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Milan to protest the deployment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during the Games, highlighting public unease over security measures and immigration policy [3]. Organizers affirmed that the protests will not disrupt competition schedules, but the incident underscores heightened political sensitivities surrounding the event [3].