Team Idaho Shines at 2026 Winter Olympics

Idaho athletes win gold, silver, and make Olympic debuts in Milan-Cortina

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The seven members of Team Idaho competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina had a remarkable showing, winning a combined two gold and two silver medals, with three Olympic debuts and two engagements. Highlights include Hilary Knight breaking the U.S. Olympic records for most goals and points, Breezy Johnson winning gold in the downhill, and Jaelin Kauf earning silver in freestyle skiing moguls.

Why it matters

The success of Team Idaho at the 2026 Winter Olympics showcases the state's growing prominence in winter sports, with athletes from small towns like Victor, Hailey, and Ketchum competing at the highest level. It also highlights the pipeline of talent coming from Idaho's ski academies and the community support these Olympians receive.

The details

Hilary Knight, the five-time Olympian and captain of the U.S. Women's Hockey team, led Team USA to gold, scoring the game-tying goal late in regulation against Canada. Breezy Johnson, from Victor, won gold in the downhill, redeeming herself after missing the 2022 Olympics due to injury. Jaelin Kauf, the 2022 silver medalist, added another silver in moguls and made the final in the new dual moguls event. Chase Josey of Hailey competed in his third Olympics in men's halfpipe, while Sammy Smith of Boise made her Olympic debut in cross-country skiing. Ryder Sarchett of Ketchum and John Steel Hagenbuch, also of Ketchum, competed in alpine skiing and cross-country skiing, respectively.

  • Hilary Knight broke the U.S. Olympic records for most goals (15) and most points in the gold medal game on February 22, 2026.
  • Breezy Johnson won gold in the downhill on February 10, 2026.
  • Jaelin Kauf won silver in moguls on February 9, 2026 and competed in dual moguls on February 12, 2026.
  • Chase Josey competed in the men's halfpipe finals on February 15, 2026.
  • Sammy Smith competed in the women's sprint classic on February 10, 2026.

The players

Hilary Knight

The five-time Olympian and captain of the U.S. Women's Hockey team, who led Team USA to gold and broke the U.S. Olympic records for most goals and points.

Breezy Johnson

A native of Victor, Idaho who won gold in the downhill event, redeeming herself after missing the 2022 Olympics due to injury.

Jaelin Kauf

The 2022 silver medalist in women's freestyle skiing moguls, who added another silver medal in Milan-Cortina and competed in the new dual moguls event.

Chase Josey

A three-time Olympian from Hailey, Idaho who competed in the men's halfpipe finals.

Sammy Smith

A native of Boise, Idaho who made her Olympic debut in the women's sprint classic cross-country skiing event.

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What they’re saying

“To bring our crew together as Cutthroats to celebrate our Olympians, I know they're feeling it in Italy. And there's no doubt in my mind that we have future Olympians among us tonight.”

— Jonna Mendes, Director of the Sun Valley Ski Academy and two-time Olympian (ktvb.com)

What’s next

The 2026 Paralympics are set to begin on March 5, 2026, with several Idaho athletes expected to compete.

The takeaway

The success of Team Idaho at the 2026 Winter Olympics underscores the state's growing prominence in winter sports, with athletes from small towns competing at the highest level and inspiring the next generation of Idahoans to pursue their Olympic dreams.