🏔️ Local Athletes Headed to the 2026 Winter Olympics 🇮🇹❄️
One of the things that makes living in Lake Tahoe so special—beyond the blue lake and powder days—is the caliber of athletes this community produces. From backyard ski hills to world-class resorts, Tahoe and Truckee have long been training grounds for Olympic dreams.
As we look ahead to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan–Cortina, several athletes with deep Tahoe-area roots are preparing to represent both Team USA and other nations on the world’s biggest winter sports stage. Whether they learned to ski at Palisades, trained on Donner Summit, or grew up chasing snowstorms around the Basin, these competitors reflect the grit, resilience, and passion that define our mountain community.
⛷️ Alpine Skiing: Speed, Precision & Tahoe Tough
Bryce Bennett – Tahoe City
Competing in his third Winter Games, Bryce is a downhill specialist whose powerful skiing reflects his Tahoe upbringing.
AJ Hurt – Carnelian Bay
Headed to her second Olympics, AJ has become known for her strong technical skiing.
Keely Cashman – Strawberry
Returning for her second Games, Keely represents the depth of talent in our local ski programs.
Nina O’Brien – Team Palisades Tahoe
A seasoned technical competitor, Nina continues to ski at the highest levels.
Lila Lapanja – Incline Village (Competing for Slovenia)
Hailing from Incline Village and a lifelong Lake Tahoe skier, Lila brings a unique twist to the Tahoe Olympic story — she’s qualifying to compete in slalom skiing at Milan–Cortina representing Slovenia, drawing on her dual citizenship and deep international racing experience. She began skiing in Tahoe, raced for the U.S. Ski Team earlier in her career, and now continues her Olympic journey on the global stage.
🎿 Freeskiing & Nordic: The Next Generation Emerges
Abby Winterberger – Truckee
At just 15, Abby will make her Olympic debut in freeski halfpipe — a rising star from the heart of Truckee.
JC Schoonmaker – Tahoe City
Representing Tahoe in cross-country skiing, JC brings endurance and mountain grit to Nordic events.
🏂 Snowboarding: Creativity, Speed & Air
Hahna Norman – Truckee
Hahna blends style and technique in slopestyle snowboarding.
Hanna Percy – Truckee
In snowboard cross, Hanna competes with fearless speed and strategy.
Alessandro Barbieri – Tahoe Select Snowboard Team
Alessandro brings Tahoe’s freestyle culture to halfpipe competition.
🥇 More Than Medals: Why This Matters for Tahoe
These Olympians aren’t just chasing medals — they’re showcasing the strength of Tahoe’s mountain culture on a global stage. Their journeys highlight:
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World-class training opportunities right in our backyard
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Community support that fuels elite athletes
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The inspirational power of growing up in a true mountain environment
For those of us fortunate to live, work, and play here, it’s a powerful reminder that Tahoe isn’t just a destination — it’s a launchpad for dreams.
As Milan–Cortina 2026 approaches, Tahoe will be cheering loudly. These athletes grew up on our slopes, trails, and halfpipes — and they’re carrying a piece of Lake Tahoe with them to the Olympics.
As your Lake Tahoe Realtor®, I love sharing the stories that make this community extraordinary — from local market insights to mountain athletes making worldwide waves. If you’re curious about living in the place where Olympians train, let’s connect!
