The U.S. Olympic Alpine skiing team, featuring prominent athletes like Lindsey Vonn, Mikaela Shiffrin, and Ryan Cochran-Siegle, was announced Thursday ahead of the upcoming Olympics in Italy. This year, the team is poised for medal contention across various events, especially after a disappointing outing in Beijing four years ago.
On the women’s front, Vonn and Shiffrin lead a talented squad that is favored to secure podium finishes. Vonn, now 41 and in her second year of a comeback after retirement, appears to be in impressive form, leading the World Cup downhill standings and carrying strong momentum after her return to ski racing. Meanwhile, Shiffrin, the most successful Alpine skier with 107 World Cup victories, aims for redemption following a challenging Olympics in 2022 where she did not medal.
The women’s roster includes a mix of experience and emerging talent, such as 22-year-old Mary Bocock, who is making her Olympic debut, and the seasoned Breezy Johnson, who has proved her skill with numerous World Cup podium finishes despite past setbacks. Other noteworthy competitors are Paula Moltzan, who has recently shone in giant slalom events, and Nina O’Brien, returning to the Olympic stage after recovering from a serious injury.
On the men’s side, Cochran-Siegle returns with the aim of capturing another medal after securing silver in super-G at the last Olympics. He will be joined by promising teammates including River Radamus, a rising star currently ranked ninth globally in giant slalom, and Bryce Bennett, a two-time World Cup winner known for his downhill prowess. Newcomers like Kyle Negomir and Sam Morse also hold potential for noteworthy performances.
This season, the Olympic competition will feature an interesting development as the mixed team event takes a hiatus due to scheduling conflicts, with men and women competing in separate locations. Both Bormio and Cortina d’Ampezzo are renowned venues on the World Cup circuit, offering the athletes familiar terrain.
As the U.S. Alpine skiing team prepares to compete, expectations are high, and the diverse talents included in the roster provide a promising outlook for achieving Olympic success. The combination of seasoned stars and up-and-coming racers sets the stage for an exciting competition, with hopes for redemption and medal triumph in the upcoming games.