12 Florida Athletes Headed to 2026 Winter Olympics

From Miami to Ocala, Floridians are representing Team USA in Milan Cortina

Feb. 4, 2026 at 3:47pm

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Team USA is sending 12 athletes with ties to Florida to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. The group includes Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn, who lived in Miami, as well as speed skaters Erin Jackson and Brittany Bowe, who were both born and raised in Ocala. Hockey brothers Quinn and Jack Hughes were born in Orlando before their family moved to Toronto. Overall, Florida has fewer Winter Olympians than winter sports hubs like Utah, but the state still beats out 14 others with no connections to the U.S. team.

Why it matters

While Florida is not typically associated with winter sports, the state has produced a number of successful Winter Olympians over the years. The 12 athletes with Florida ties heading to Milan Cortina represent the state's growing presence on the global winter sports stage, showcasing the diverse athletic talent that can emerge from the Sunshine State.

The details

The 12 Florida-connected athletes competing for Team USA in the 2026 Winter Olympics include alpine skier Lindsey Vonn, who lived in Miami, and speed skaters Erin Jackson and Brittany Bowe, who were both born and raised in Ocala. Hockey players Quinn and Jack Hughes were born in Orlando before their family moved to Toronto. Other Floridians on the U.S. team include figure skater Amber Hill (Tallahassee), bobsledder Frank Del Duca (Miami), and luge athlete Emily Sweeney (Sugarloaf Key).

  • The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place in Milan Cortina, Italy from February 6-22, 2026.
  • The Opening Ceremony, where Erin Jackson and Frank Del Duca will serve as U.S. flag bearers, is scheduled for February 6, 2026.

The players

Lindsey Vonn

An Olympic gold medalist in alpine skiing who lived in Miami, Florida.

Erin Jackson

A speed skater born and raised in Ocala, Florida who will be a U.S. flag bearer at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Brittany Bowe

A speed skater born and raised in Ocala, Florida who credits much of her success to her hometown inline skating coach Renee Hildebrand.

Quinn Hughes

A hockey player born in Orlando, Florida before his family moved to Toronto.

Jack Hughes

A hockey player and the brother of Quinn Hughes, born in Orlando, Florida before the family relocated to Toronto.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

Florida's growing presence in winter sports, with 12 athletes representing Team USA in the 2026 Winter Olympics, showcases the diverse athletic talent that can emerge from the Sunshine State beyond its traditional association with warm-weather sports.