The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina are almost here, and Washington State is sending serious talent to the world stage. From high-speed ice to steep alpine slopes, Team USA includes several athletes with deep Washington roots.
If you’re watching from Ridgefield or anywhere in the Evergreen State, here are the Washington athletes to follow this winter.
Corinne Stoddard – Short Track Speed Skating (Federal Way, WA)
Federal Way’s Corinne Stoddard is one of Washington’s most recognizable Winter Olympians. A veteran of the Beijing Games, she competes in short track speed skating — one of the most intense and strategic events in the Winter Olympics.
Short track is fast, chaotic, and thrilling. Races are often decided by fractions of a second, and positioning is everything. Corinne brings experience, composure, and explosive speed to Team USA.
Why to watch:
• Olympic experience
• Medal potential in relay events
• A Washington native competing at the highest level
Eunice Lee – Short Track Speed Skating (Bellevue, WA)
Bellevue’s Eunice Lee represents the next generation of elite U.S. speed skaters. After training extensively in Washington, she’s emerged as a rising force in short track competition.
At just 21, she blends tactical intelligence with powerful acceleration — a critical combination in this unpredictable sport.
Why to watch:
• One of the youngest Washington athletes on Team USA
• Strong relay contributor
• A rapidly rising star in international competition
Cooper McLeod – Long Track Speed Skating (Kirkland, WA)
Unlike short track, long track speed skating takes place on a 400-meter oval where athletes race against the clock. Kirkland’s Cooper McLeod specializes in sprint distances and has built a reputation for technical precision and raw speed.
Long track events test endurance, mechanics, and mental discipline — and Cooper represents Washington on the international stage.
Why to watch:
• Strong sprint performance potential
• Represents Washington in a different skating discipline
• Built for high-pressure Olympic racing
Katie Hensien – Alpine Skiing (Redmond, WA)
Redmond’s Katie Hensien brings Washington’s mountain culture straight into Olympic alpine skiing. Alpine events are among the most dramatic of the Winter Games — featuring downhill, super-G, and slalom races that demand both fearlessness and finesse.
Katie has competed internationally and returns to the Olympic stage ready to challenge elite global competition.
Why to watch:
• Technical precision on demanding courses
• Pacific Northwest mountain roots
• Strong U.S. alpine contender
Novie McCabe – Cross-Country Skiing (Winthrop, WA)
Winthrop is practically synonymous with Nordic skiing, and Novie McCabe carries that legacy forward. Cross-country skiing is one of the most physically demanding sports in the Olympics — combining endurance, strategy, and brutal stamina.
Novie has excelled at the collegiate and international level and now represents Washington in one of the toughest events in winter sport.
Why to watch:
• Elite endurance athlete
• Represents North Central Washington’s ski culture
• Competes in both individual and relay events
Washington State’s Curling Representatives
Washington also sends talent into Olympic curling — a sport that combines precision, physics, and strategy. Curling requires teamwork and exact calculations, making it one of the most tactical competitions in the Games.
Washington athletes contributing to Team USA’s curling roster showcase the depth of winter sports talent across the state.
When Are the 2026 Winter Olympics?
The 2026 Winter Olympics take place February 6–22, 2026, in Milano-Cortina, Italy.
Events will be broadcast nationally, with speed skating, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, and curling all featured across prime-time coverage.
Why Washington State Produces Strong Winter Olympians
Washington’s geography plays a major role in producing elite winter athletes. With access to mountain ranges, ski areas, and competitive skating facilities, athletes across the state train year-round in world-class conditions.
From Crystal Mountain to Winthrop’s Nordic trails, Washington provides natural terrain that builds Olympic-level competitors.
Cheer on Washington Athletes in the 2026 Winter Olympics
As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, Washington State residents have plenty of hometown talent to support. Whether you’re watching from Ridgefield, Seattle, Spokane, or beyond, these athletes represent the Evergreen State on the world’s biggest winter stage.
Expect speed. Expect grit. Expect Washington to show up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Washington State athletes are competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Washington athletes competing include speed skaters, alpine skiers, cross-country skiers, and curling team members representing Team USA.
When are the 2026 Winter Olympics?
The 2026 Winter Olympics run from February 6 to February 22, 2026.
How can I watch Washington athletes compete?
Events will be broadcast nationally on NBC and streaming platforms covering Team USA competition.
