15-Year-Old Abby Winterberger Becomes Youngest U.S. Olympian

The freestyle skier is competing at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, defying expectations and age limits.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Abby Winterberger, a 15-year-old freestyle skier from Truckee, California, has become the youngest member of the U.S. Olympic team, competing at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games. Despite not having any expectations of making the Olympic team, Winterberger's strong performances on the professional circuit this season earned her a spot, making her the second-youngest American ever to qualify for the Winter Olympics in freestyle skiing.

Why it matters

Winterberger's qualification for the Olympics at such a young age is a remarkable achievement, showcasing her exceptional talent and fearlessness as a skier. Her story highlights the rising level of competition in freestyle skiing and the potential for young athletes to break through to the highest levels of the sport.

The details

Winterberger, who began skiing at age 2 and competed in gymnastics until age 13, has been training with her coach Cooper Davidson since she was 7 years old. This season, she ranked 18th in the overall World Cup standings and 7th in freeski halfpipe, earning her a spot on the U.S. Olympic team. Despite her young age, Winterberger has been competing against many of the same athletes she grew up watching in the 2022 Olympics, which she says feels "surreal."

  • Winterberger began skiing at age 2.
  • She competed in gymnastics from age 5 to 13.
  • Winterberger started training with her coach Cooper Davidson when she was 7 years old.
  • This season, she ranked 18th in the overall World Cup standings and 7th in freeski halfpipe.
  • The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics will be Winterberger's first time competing at the Olympic Games.

The players

Abby Winterberger

A 15-year-old freestyle skier from Truckee, California, who has become the youngest member of the U.S. Olympic team, competing at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games.

Cooper Davidson

Winterberger's coach since she was 7 years old, who has worked with her to develop her exceptional talent and fearlessness as a skier.

Skogen Sprang

The freeski sport director for the U.S. team, who recognized Winterberger's talents and progression over the last couple of years.

Jim Winterberger

Abby Winterberger's father, who recalls her fearlessness and determination from a young age, including a story about her diving headfirst into a waterslide funnel.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think it's really sunk in fully.”

— Abby Winterberger (NBC News)

“There's been such a drastic uptake in the level of freeskiing in general. Even considering the last Olympic cycle, for an athlete at her age to be at the level she is, the sky's the limit. There's no telling what she's going to do.”

— Cooper Davidson, Winterberger's coach

“Although she was not currently on the U.S. team, we were very aware of her talents and have been watching her progression for the last couple years. It's very exciting to have such young talent qualify for the Olympic Games and a bright indication of the quality of athletes in the U.S. pipeline for the future.”

— Skogen Sprang, Freeski sport director for the U.S. team

“She's always given everything she has. Full send, every time.”

— Jim Winterberger, Abby Winterberger's father

What’s next

Winterberger and her coach are going into the Olympics with the expectation of learning from her peers and taking in the experience, rather than focusing on medal expectations. The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Abby Winterberger's qualification for the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics at just 15 years old is a remarkable achievement that showcases the rising level of competition in freestyle skiing and the potential for young athletes to break through to the highest levels of the sport. Her story is an inspiration, demonstrating that with determination, discipline, and a fearless spirit, anything is possible.