The U.S. cross country skiing team is experiencing a significant transformation as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, leveraging the momentum from previous successes, notably the historic win by Jessie Diggins and Kikkan Randall at the 2018 Winter Games. This victory not only elevated the sport’s profile in the U.S. but also led to substantial investments in the team’s infrastructure, enhancing their preparation for future competitions.
The funding for the U.S. Ski Team has increased by 60% since 2018, which has allowed for critical improvements. While rising operational costs have tempered some of this increase, it has been instrumental in establishing a better framework to support athletes. The investments have already yielded results, with both Diggins and Gus Schumacher recently making headlines by winning their respective 5-kilometer skate heats during the 2025/2026 Tour de Ski, marking a milestone where an American man and woman both triumphed on the same day.
A key factor in the team’s evolution is the purchase of advanced equipment, including a specialized grind machine necessary for optimizing ski performance, especially relevant following FIS’s ban on fluorocarbon waxes in 2023. This has led to a heightened emphasis on base grinding, an essential process in ensuring optimal ski speed under various conditions.
To adapt to the evolving nature of the sport, the U.S. team has also expanded its service crew from six or seven members to eight, integrating skilled technicians, including Bernie Nelson, the first female service technician for the U.S. Ski Team. This team’s depth of experience is poised to make a significant difference as they head towards the competition.
Reflecting on the unique challenges of the Olympic environment, for the first time, the U.S. cross country ski team will not be residing in the athlete village at the 2026 Games. Instead, they have secured a small hotel near the Val di Fiemme ski venue, aimed at safeguarding the health of the athletes in an environment that is often fraught with illness due to the close quarters of diverse international teams.
The athlete roster has seen changes since 2018; Diggins and Rosie Brennan are the only remaining athletes from that Olympic team. Brennan is actively working to regain her competitive form after battling a long-term illness, while Diggins continues to be a formidable contender. The women’s team is bolstered by Julia Kern, who has contributed to multiple medal-winning performances in recent world championships.
On the men’s side, the team demonstrates newfound strength and depth, with Schumacher and Ben Ogden emerging as key athletes. Both have proven their capabilities on the world stage, suggesting a promising outlook for securing medals in both the men’s and women’s events. This shift in dynamics represents a more balanced and competitive U.S. squad compared to previous seasons, signaling a bright future for American cross country skiing.
Overall, this comprehensive overhaul—backed by improved funding and strategic planning—positions the U.S. cross-country skiing team favorably as they aim for success at the upcoming Olympics.