The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee has named a 72-member team for the 2026 Milano Cortina Paralympic Winter Games, featuring experienced athletes like Oksana Masters and newcomers such as nurse Kelsey O'Driscoll. The roster includes 44 returning Paralympians across six sports, with competitions set to begin on March 4 and the opening ceremony on March 6. Team USA aims to build on past successes in para alpine skiing, nordic skiing, and other disciplines.
The USOPC announced the team on March 2, highlighting athletes defined by excellence and perseverance, according to CEO Sarah Hirshland. "Their journeys are defined by excellence, perseverance, discipline, and an unshakable belief in what is possible," Hirshland said in a statement. The group comprises 68 athletes and four guides, with 40 men and 20 women, competing for 79 medals in para alpine skiing, para biathlon, para cross-country skiing, para ice hockey, para snowboard, and wheelchair curling.
Veterans lead the roster, including Oksana Masters, a para nordic skier with 19 Paralympic medals across seven Games, and Aaron Pike, also appearing in his seventh Paralympics. Kendall Gretsch, with seven medals including four golds, and Laurie Stephens, a five-time Paralympian with five medals, return for para alpine events. Twenty-four athletes make their debuts, while the team collectively holds 49 gold medals from prior Games.
Among the newcomers is 32-year-old Kelsey O'Driscoll, a registered nurse at Albany Medical Center who sustained a spinal injury in 2021 but returned to skiing. She won the Super G in the 2025/26 FIS Para Alpine World Cup and placed sixth in slalom at the 2025 World Championships. O'Driscoll, who also manages severe asthma, will compete in all five para alpine events. "Kelsey inspires both her patients and colleagues through her dedication to nursing and adaptive skiing," the Albany Med Health System said.
Para alpine race director Anja Skutelj expressed excitement for the Games at Cortina's Tofana course. "This will be my third Paralympic Games and I’m especially happy that they’re back in Europe," Skutelj said. "It’s going to be amazing." The 2025/26 World Cup season was stable, with only one Super G cancelled, setting a strong foundation ahead of the Paralympics.
Utah connections feature prominently, with 22 athletes tied to the state, including medalists Keith Gabel, Brenna Huckaby, Sydney Peterson, and Noah Elliott. Jeff Roberts of the Utah Sports Commission noted, "These athletes embody determination, skill, and the spirit of The State of Sport."
Competitions start March 4 with wheelchair curling mixed doubles, followed by the opening ceremony on March 6 at Verona Arena. Action runs through March 15, with para alpine events beginning March 7.
