The countdown is on. On February 6, 2026, the world’s best winter athletes will gather in northern Italy for the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, a spectacular showcase spanning Milan’s sleek arenas and the dramatic slopes of Cortina d’Ampezzo. While all eyes are on Team USA, a handful of men stand out as genuine gold medal threats, carrying the hopes of an entire nation.
From seasoned veterans to rising stars, these athletes are not just competing—they’re rewriting expectations in their sports.
Alpine Skiing: Ryan Cochran-Siegle
Event: Giant Slalom, Super-G
Age: 31
Ryan Cochran-Siegle may not have the household name of some of his female teammates, but his credentials speak volumes. A member of Vermont’s legendary Cochran skiing family, he has multiple World Cup podiums and Olympic experience from Beijing 2022. Known for his calculated aggression on steep, icy slopes, Cochran-Siegle has the tools to turn Milano Cortina into his personal podium.
“Tactical intelligence and composure are everything in alpine skiing”
says his longtime coach. “Ryan reads the course like few others and knows how to push without risking it all.”
Freestyle Skiing: Alex Hall and Nick Goepper
Event: Slopestyle
Ages: Hall 24, Goepper 29
Alex Hall has emerged as one of the most innovative slopestyle skiers of his generation. With a bronze from Beijing 2022 and multiple World Cup medals, Hall’s combination of creativity and precision makes him a clear gold contender.
Nick Goepper, meanwhile, brings veteran experience. A silver medalist from Sochi 2014, Goepper continues to impress with style and amplitude, earning high marks on the international circuit. As reported by PEOPLE, the duo represents a perfect blend of youth and experience, poised to thrill crowds in Cortina.
Snowboarding: Red Gerard and Jake Pates
Event: Slopestyle & Halfpipe
Ages: Gerard 24, Pates 23
Red Gerard, who captured hearts with his surprise gold in PyeongChang 2018, remains fearless in slopestyle. His creativity and ability to adapt to any course make him a perennial favorite.
Jake Pates has quietly risen in the halfpipe ranks, combining technical mastery with style and consistency. He has claimed multiple World Cup podiums and, as reported by Variety, is seen as one of the most promising U.S. halfpipe riders going into Milano Cortina.
Figure Skating: Ilia Malinin
Event: Men’s Singles
Age: 20
Ilia Malinin has already earned the nickname “Quad God,” thanks to his unprecedented ability to land multiple quadruple jumps in a single program. He has set international scoring records and wowed judges and audiences alike.
“Landing a quad isn’t enough anymore,” Malinin told The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s about combining athleticism with artistry—and that’s what I aim to do in every performance.”
At just 20, Malinin blends youthful energy with technical precision, making him the U.S. man most likely to claim figure skating gold in Milan and Cortina.
Speed Skating: Jordan Stolz
Event: 500m, 1000m
Age: 20
Jordan Stolz has emerged as a true phenom in speed skating. Versatile across sprint and middle distances, he has already broken records on the World Cup circuit. Stolz’s combination of speed, endurance, and tactical race sense makes him one of the most exciting U.S. medal prospects in Milano Cortina 2026.
Bobsled & Skeleton: U.S. Pilots
Event: Two-man and Four-man Bobsled
American bobsled pilots are quietly confident. Combining explosive power, years of experience, and cutting-edge sled technology, they are a serious gold threat. Margins are razor-thin in this sport, but the U.S. team has consistently proven it can deliver under pressure, especially on challenging alpine tracks.
Why These Men Stand Out
The men representing the U.S. at Milano Cortina 2026 are not only medal hopefuls—they are trendsetters, innovators, and torchbearers of a new era in winter sports. From Alex Hall and Red Gerard redefining freestyle, to Ilia Malinin pushing figure skating boundaries, and Jordan Stolz commanding the speed skating oval, these athletes are ready to make history.
The split-host format—Milan’s urban arenas paired with Cortina’s alpine peaks—will challenge even the most adaptable athletes. Those who can combine technical skill with mental toughness are most likely to reach the top of the podium.
Stay updated
Stay inspired with Stories, Style, and What We Love – explore more in our Entertainment, Lifestyle, Men’s Scene, and Women’s Scene on The Scene Daily.
*This page contains affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
