Berkeley-born Julia Kern, Team USA fall short in women's relay

The U.S. team finished fifth, 1 minute, 52.2 seconds behind first-place Norway.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Berkeley-born skier Julia Kern and Team USA couldn't get it done in the women's cross-country relay Saturday at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games. The U.S. team, which also included Jessie Diggins and Rosie Brennan, finished fifth, 1 minute, 52.2 seconds behind first-place Norway.

Why it matters

Kern, competing in her second Winter Olympics, was part of a U.S. cross-country team that had high hopes of medaling in the women's relay event. The disappointing finish is a setback for the American squad as they look to improve on their results from previous Winter Games.

The details

In the women's 4x5km cross-country relay, the U.S. team of Diggins, Brennan, and Kern finished fifth overall, well behind the winning Norwegian squad. Kern, a 28-year-old from Berkeley, California, was unable to help the Americans overcome a large deficit and challenge for a podium spot.

  • The women's cross-country relay took place on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

The players

Julia Kern

A 28-year-old cross-country skier from Berkeley, California who was competing in her second Winter Olympics.

Jessie Diggins

A member of the U.S. women's cross-country skiing team that competed in the relay event.

Rosie Brennan

A member of the U.S. women's cross-country skiing team that competed in the relay event.

Norway

The country that won the gold medal in the women's 4x5km cross-country relay event.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The disappointing fifth-place finish for the U.S. women's cross-country relay team, which included Berkeley native Julia Kern, is a setback as the American squad looks to improve its Winter Olympics performance in future Games.