8 Athletes From IL Qualify For The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics

Eight athletes from Illinois are among 232 qualified for the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games.

The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee announced Team USA members Monday. The roster is made up of 117 men and 115 women, including 98 returning Olympians and 18 Olympic champions.

“Today we proudly introduce the 2026 U.S. Olympic Team – a group of extraordinary athletes whose commitment, perseverance and spirit reflect the very best of Team USA,”

CEO Sarah Hirshland, the CEO of the Olympic and Paralympic Committee said in a news release.

“While we honor their individual excellence, and the undeniable strength of the full team, we also recognize that no athlete reaches this moment without the support of a broad community that supported and believed in them, both on and off the field of play,” Hirshland said.

Athletes from Illinois include:

1. Brody Rybal, Northlake: Paralympic Sled Hockey
2. Kevin Bickner, Wauconda: Ski Jumping
3. Ethan Cepuran, Glen Ellyn: Speedskating
4. Kendall Coyne Schofield, Palos Heights: Ice Hockey
5. Tessa Janecke, Warren: Ice Hockey
6. Josh Misiewicz, La Grange: Sled Hockey
7. Abbey Murphy, Evergreen Park: Ice Hockey
8. Sarah Warren, Willowbrook: Speedskating

Of the Olympians returning to Team USA’s line-up, seven will make a fifth appearance at the Games in Italy, which take place Feb. 6-22. The Paralympic Games are scheduled for March 6-15.

Three-time Olympic medalist Lindsey Vonn joins ice hockey star Hilary Knight, figure skater Evan Bates, snowboarders Nick Baumgartner and Faye Guilini, and bobsled Olympic medalists Humphries and Elena Meyers Taylor, as part of the select group.

Ten athletes will be participating for a fourth time, while 22 are back for a third appearance.