The United States cross-country ski team heads to the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics with strong medal potential, led by veteran Jessie Diggins in her final Games. Emerging talents like Novie McCabe and Jack Young join established stars such as Gus Schumacher, aiming to challenge powerhouses Norway and Sweden. The team combines experience and youth for events starting February 7.
Jessie Diggins, the most decorated American cross-country skier, is set for her fifth and final Olympics at Milano Cortina 2026, planning to retire afterward and transition to public speaking. The 34-year-old Minnesota native, who won the team sprint gold with Kikkan Randall at PyeongChang 2018 and added a silver and bronze in Beijing 2022, recently claimed her third Tour de Ski title and leads the World Cup overall standings. "I've given everything," Diggins said, outlining goals to perform at her best, support teammates, and enjoy the experience with family. She emphasizes personal improvement over direct competition: "It's not about trying to beat anyone else... Can I be better than I was yesterday?"
On the men's side, 25-year-old Gus Schumacher ranks 10th in World Cup standings with three podiums this season, including a first-ever U.S. team sprint bronze with Ben Ogden. Julia Kern, in her second Olympics, highlighted the team's strength: "It's a really exciting time... both our men's and women's team is super strong."
Novie McCabe, 24, from Winthrop, Washington, returns for her second Games after placing 24th in the 10km classical, 18th in the 30km freestyle, and sixth in the relay at Beijing 2022. A three-time NCAA champion at the University of Utah, she trains with the Alaska Pacific University Nordic Ski Center and notched a seventh-place finish in the 2022 Tour de Ski final stage.
Vermont's Jack Young, a sprint specialist from the Northeast Kingdom, makes his Olympic debut after racing on the World Cup circuit in Europe. A Colby College alum and U.S. Ski Team member, Young started skiing through the Bill Koch League at Craftsbury Outdoor Center. His father, Chris Young, noted the inspiration from local Olympians: "Was able to see what's possible for kids from our area."
The U.S. faces stiff competition, particularly from Sweden's Jonna Sundling and Ebba Andersson, who dominated the 2025 World Championships. Women's events begin with the 20km skiathlon on February 7 at Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, where Diggins eyes success against Andersson. Men's races follow, with Norway holding six top-10 World Cup spots.
