The countdown to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics has officially begun, and anticipation is building across the globe. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Italian Alps and the stylish energy of Milan, the 2026 Winter Games promise unforgettable moments. While established legends will command attention, the real excitement lies in the next generation of Olympic contenders. These rising stars are ready to reshape the future of winter sports.
From record-breaking figure skaters to teenage snowboarding prodigies, Milano Cortina 2026 will introduce fans to athletes who are already rewriting history. Many of them enter the Games as world champions or dominant forces on the international circuit. Their performances won’t just chase medals—they could redefine what’s possible in their disciplines. If you’re searching for the top athletes to watch at the 2026 Winter Olympics, these names belong at the top of your list.
Ilia Malinin (USA)—Figure Skating’s “Quad God”
If there is one athlete generating massive buzz heading into the 2026 Winter Olympics, it’s Ilia Malinin. The 21-year-old American figure skater earned the nickname “Quad God” after landing the first-ever quadruple Axel in competition. That single jump permanently altered the technical ceiling of men’s figure skating, and even FanDuel Sportsbook has spotlighted his dominance in early Olympic futures conversations. Since then, Malinin has continued pushing boundaries with programs packed with ultra-difficult quad combinations.
Entering Milano Cortina as a back-to-back world champion, Malinin isn’t simply winning events—he’s redefining the sport’s evolution. His routines combine explosive athleticism with growing artistic maturity, challenging the idea that power and grace must compete. Judges and fans alike recognize that his technical base value often forces competitors to play catch-up. In 2026, he could deliver one of the most historic Olympic figure skating performances in recent memory.
Jordan Stolz (USA)—Speed Skating’s Multi-Event Phenom
Jordan Stolz has quickly become one of the most dominant names in speed skating. At just 21 years old, he has already controlled the World Cup circuit, going undefeated in both the 1000m and 1500m during the 2025–26 season. His consistency at top speed separates him from nearly every competitor in the field. Simply put, he doesn’t just win—he dominates.
What makes Stolz especially compelling at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics is his versatility. He became the first male skater to win world titles in the 500m, 1000m, and 1500m at a single championship. That kind of range is rare in a sport typically ruled by specialists. If he captures multiple gold medals in Italy, comparisons to Olympic legend Eric Heiden will only grow louder.
Mia Brookes (Great Britain)—Snowboarding’s Teenage Trailblazer
Great Britain may not traditionally headline winter sports conversations, but Mia Brookes is changing that narrative. The 19-year-old snowboarder became the youngest slopestyle world champion at just 16 years old. Her fearless style and technical precision have made her one of the most exciting athletes in freestyle snowboarding. Every run she drops feels like a highlight reel waiting to happen.
Milano Cortina 2026 will mark Brookes’ long-awaited Olympic debut after missing Beijing 2022 due to age restrictions. She is known for creative rail combinations and a massive 1440-degree rotation that few female riders can consistently land. Many analysts consider her a favorite for Olympic gold in women’s slopestyle. If she delivers under Olympic pressure, she could become Britain’s most recognizable winter sports star overnight.
Macklin Celebrini (Canada)—Hockey’s Next Two-Way Star
With NHL players returning to Olympic competition for the first time since 2014, the men’s ice hockey tournament at Milano Cortina 2026 will be stacked with talent. While veteran icons will grab headlines, 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini represents the future of Team Canada. Often compared to a young Jonathan Toews, Celebrini is praised for his elite two-way play. His hockey IQ and composure stand out well beyond his years.
Celebrini’s presence adds intrigue to what could be an epic Canada vs. USA gold medal showdown. According to FanDuel Research, his two-way efficiency metrics and transition impact already mirror those of established NHL veterans. His ability to influence both offense and defense makes him far more than just a scoring threat. If he thrives under Olympic pressure, he could cement himself as hockey’s next global superstar.
A Bridge Between Eras
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will serve as a bridge between generations. As legendary careers wind down, a new class of athletes is stepping forward to claim the spotlight. From record-breaking jumps in figure skating to multi-event mastery on the speed skating oval, the future of winter sports looks incredibly bright. The Italian Alps will provide the stage, but these rising stars will deliver the drama.
Whether you’re a die-hard hockey fan, a snowboarding enthusiast, or a casual Olympic viewer, these are the athletes who could define the podiums in 2026. Keep their names in mind as the Opening Ceremony approaches. By the time the Olympic flame is extinguished, many of them may be global icons.
