15-Year-Old Freestyle Skier Abby Winterberger Becomes Youngest Team USA Olympian

The fearless California teen will compete in the halfpipe at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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At just 15 years old, Abby Winterberger has become the youngest member of the U.S. Olympic team, qualifying for the freestyle skiing halfpipe competition at the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Games. Known for her fearless approach and exceptional aerial awareness from her background in gymnastics, Winterberger has quickly risen through the ranks, finishing 18th overall in the World Cup standings this season and securing her spot on the Olympic team.

Why it matters

Winterberger's Olympic debut at such a young age is a remarkable achievement, highlighting the rapid rise of a new generation of freestyle skiing talent. Her story inspires hope and possibility for other young athletes striving to reach the pinnacle of their sport, while also raising questions about the challenges of balancing elite competition with a normal teenage life.

The details

Winterberger, who hails from Truckee, California, near Lake Tahoe, first learned to ski at age 2 to keep up with her older brother. She pursued gymnastics seriously from age 5 to 13, which developed her aerial skills that later translated seamlessly to freestyle skiing. During the pandemic in 2020, with her gymnastics gym closed, Winterberger and her brother started building homemade jumps in their backyard, further fueling her passion for the sport. This season, Winterberger's consistent performances, including a 7th-place finish in the World Cup halfpipe standings, earned her a spot on the U.S. Olympic team, making her the youngest American athlete competing at the Milan Cortina Games.

  • Winterberger started skiing at age 2.
  • She trained in gymnastics from age 5 to 13.
  • During the pandemic in 2020, Winterberger and her brother built homemade jumps in their backyard.
  • This season, Winterberger finished 18th overall in the World Cup rankings and 7th in the halfpipe standings, securing her Olympic spot.
  • Winterberger will compete in the freestyle skiing halfpipe event at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

The players

Abby Winterberger

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

Jim Winterberger

Abby Winterberger's father, who recalls her fearless and determined personality from a young age.

Cooper Davidson

Abby Winterberger's coach, who has trained her since she was 7 years old at the OVFree club near Lake Tahoe.

Skogen Sprang

The U.S. freeski sport director, who noted that the qualification system can open doors for young breakout athletes like Winterberger.

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What they’re saying

“Without hesitation, she dives headfirst into the funnel — without a raft.”

— Jim Winterberger, Abby Winterberger's father (yournews.com)

“I really don't know if I see a ceiling for her long-term potential. 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, Abby Winterberger's coach (yournews.com)

“They were just normal people. And then seeing them going to the Olympics, I'm like, 'Oh, I'm a normal person. Maybe I could go to the Olympics.'”

— Abby Winterberger (yournews.com)

What’s next

Winterberger will make her Olympic debut in the freestyle skiing halfpipe competition at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games, where she will look to make a strong impression and potentially contend for a medal.

The takeaway

Abby Winterberger's remarkable journey to the Olympics at just 15 years old demonstrates the incredible potential of the next generation of freestyle skiing talent. Her fearless approach and dedication to her craft have propelled her to the highest level of the sport, inspiring hope and possibility for young athletes everywhere.