With exactly 100 days remaining until the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, hundreds of athletes from across the United States are entering the crucial final phase of preparation in their pursuit of a place on Team USA. Competitors in disciplines such as figure skating, ice hockey, and speed skating are training intensely, aiming to secure their spot among the elite who will represent the nation on one of the world’s most prestigious sporting stages.
The 2026 Winter Olympics will feature competition across 16 sports, ranging from traditional events like alpine skiing and bobsleigh to the debut of ski mountaineering, a challenging endurance discipline that combines skiing and climbing in high-altitude conditions. For American athletes, this year’s Games mark another opportunity to showcase their talent and resilience after years of training and sacrifice.
The Chicago area, known for its strong sports heritage, is expected to send a notable contingent of athletes to Italy. According to early projections, between ten and fifteen competitors from the region are likely to qualify for Team USA. Among them is one of the area’s most decorated athletes, hockey forward Kendall Coyne Schofield. Originally from Palos Heights, Coyne Schofield, 33, currently plays for the Minnesota Frost in the Professional Women’s Hockey League. She has already earned three Olympic medals—two silver and one gold—and remains one of the central figures in women’s hockey worldwide.
Chicago could have one of the largest representations on the U.S. women’s hockey team in recent memory, with as many as six players from the area expected to make the final roster. Their participation would further cement the city’s influence on the sport at the international level.
Among other prominent names from the region is speed skater Emery Lehman, 29, of Oak Park, who earned a bronze medal with Team USA in the 2022 Beijing Olympics. His consistency and endurance make him one of the key athletes to watch in the speed skating circuit. Figure skater Jason Brown, 30, from Highland Park, also remains a familiar name. Known for his artistry and technical precision, Brown won bronze in Sochi 2014 and continues to be a crowd favorite on the global stage.
Another notable Chicago-area athlete is Hillary Knight, 36, one of the most accomplished players in U.S. women’s hockey history. Having trained in Lake Forest, Knight holds the record for the most Olympic hockey games played for Team USA. Her leadership and experience continue to inspire a new generation of players as the team prepares for Milan-Cortina.
Adding to the roster of accomplished Illinois athletes is Bradie Tennell, a figure skater from Carpentersville who won bronze with Team USA at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics. Tennell, known for her graceful style and technical excellence, aims to make a strong comeback on the Olympic stage. Another speed skating standout, Ethan Cepruan, 25, from Glen Ellyn, also earned a bronze in Beijing 2022 and is seen as a promising contender for another medal in 2026.
As anticipation builds, the focus extends beyond individual stars to the collective spirit of Team USA. From veterans chasing another podium finish to first-time Olympians eager to make their mark, the roster represents the depth and diversity of American talent. The Games will also highlight emerging sports like ski mountaineering, which joins the Olympic lineup for the first time, offering audiences a fresh glimpse into the evolving landscape of winter athletics.
The Opening Ceremony for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics is scheduled for February 6, 2026. As the countdown reaches its final stretch, excitement continues to rise among athletes and fans alike. For competitors, these final 100 days will test endurance, focus, and determination — qualities that define the Olympic spirit. For the Chicago-area athletes, it is not just about representing their hometowns but carrying the hopes of a nation eager to celebrate excellence, perseverance, and unity on the global stage.
The road to Milan-Cortina is now unmistakably clear. As the snow-capped arenas of northern Italy prepare to welcome the world, Team USA’s journey continues — driven by ambition, resilience, and the timeless pursuit of Olympic glory.
