Meet The 2026 Winter Olympians with ties to Minnesota

There’s something especially cool about watching the Olympic Games when you know some of the athletes competing have roots right here in Minnesota.

The 2026 Winter Olympics will bring together the best winter athletes in the world, and once again, Minnesota will be proudly represented.

THE THINGS THAT SHAPE AN OLYMPIAN

Think about all the hometowns, rinks, ski trails, and frozen lakes that helped shape these Olympians long before they reached the global stage.

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MINNESOTA - THE STATE OF HOCKEY

Minnesota isn’t called the State of Hockey for nothing, and seeing familiar names on Olympic rosters reminds us just how deep that tradition runs. From backyard rinks and youth leagues, to college and then on to professional teams, many of these athletes grew up skating on the same kind of ice we all know. Sometimes outdoors, sometimes in brutal cold, always with a love for the game.

SKIING AND SPEEDSKATING

The same can be said for skiers who learned endurance on Minnesota trails, or speed skaters who discovered their edge through long winters and relentless training.

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THE OLYMPIC CONNECTION IS DEEPER THAN OUR STATE

What makes these Olympic connections so special isn’t just where these athletes were born or raised. It’s the fact that Minnesota played a role in shaping who they became. First, it started with their parents. Then it was the coaches, small-town communities, school programs, and local clubs. All of these elements helped build the foundation that eventually led to Olympic dreams. When they step onto the ice or snow in Italy, we feel like maybe there is a piece of Minnesota that goes with them, and it gives us that feeling that maybe we are just teenie tiny part of it.

THE FANS

For fans back home, it adds an extra layer of excitement. These aren’t just world-class athletes; they’re fellow Minnesotans, or people who spent meaningful time here, chasing goals and pushing limits just like so many kids across the state today.

WHEN DO THE WINTER OLYMPICS BEING?

As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate just how special it is that our state continues to leave its mark on the biggest stage in sports.

The 2026 Winter Olympics are scheduled to begin on February 4th, 2026, with the Opening Ceremony taking place on February 6th, and the closing ceremony expected to take place on February 22nd, 2026.

Check out the long list of Minnesota-connected athletes below.