Truckee's Bryce Bennett Reflects on Emotional Final Olympic Downhill

The three-time Olympian skier finished 13th in his last Olympic downhill race.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Truckee native Bryce Bennett, a three-time Olympian, competed in his final Olympic downhill race at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games. While he wasn't thrilled with his 13th place finish, it was his best Olympic result in his career. Bennett reflected on the emotional experience of having his young daughter in attendance for his last Olympic run.

Why it matters

Bryce Bennett's journey to the Olympics spans over a decade, and his final Olympic downhill race marks the end of an era for the Truckee skier. His performance and reflections provide insight into the dedication and sacrifice required to compete at the highest level of winter sports.

The details

Bennett, 33, has competed in three Olympic Games, with his 13th place finish in the 2026 Milan Cortina men's downhill being his best Olympic result. While he didn't announce his retirement, Bennett made it clear he won't be skiing in the next Olympics four years from now.

  • Bryce Bennett competed in his final Olympic downhill race on Saturday, February 7, 2026 in Bormio.

The players

Bryce Bennett

A 33-year-old three-time Olympian skier from Truckee, California who competed in his final Olympic downhill race.

Garvin Thomas

An NBC Bay Area reporter who interviewed Bryce Bennett and his family after his final Olympic downhill race.

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What they’re saying

“It was an emotional final Olympic downhill for Truckee's three-time Olympian Bryce Bennett—and his family was there every second of the way.”

— Garvin Thomas, NBC Bay Area Reporter (nbcbayarea.com)

The takeaway

Bryce Bennett's final Olympic downhill race marks the end of an era for the Truckee skier, who has dedicated over a decade of his life to competing at the highest level of winter sports. His emotional performance and reflections on sharing the moment with his family provide a poignant look at the sacrifices and triumphs of an elite athlete's journey.