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Marquette Today
By the People, for the People
44-Year-Old Baumgartner Aims for Olympic Glory Once More
The veteran snowboarder looks to break his own record as the oldest medalist in Olympic history at the 2026 Winter Games in Milano Cortina.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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At 44 years old, veteran snowboarder Nick Baumgartner is determined to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy. Baumgartner, who won his first Olympic gold medal in the mixed team snowboard cross event at the 2022 Beijing Games, is willing his aging body through a rigorous training regimen in hopes of breaking his own record as the oldest snowboarding medalist in Olympic history.
Why it matters
Baumgartner's quest to compete at the highest level of his sport well into his 40s defies conventional wisdom about the prime athletic years for snowboarders. His perseverance and dedication to his craft serve as an inspiration, showing that age is just a number when it comes to elite athletic performance.
The details
To prepare for the 2026 Olympics, Baumgartner has had to adjust his training to focus on fast-twitch and explosive movements rather than pure power lifting. He closely monitors his body's performance using technology to avoid injury and ensure he can maintain the speed and agility needed to compete with younger athletes. Baumgartner also makes the 90-minute drive twice a week from his home in Iron River, Michigan to the gym in Marquette where he trains, often sleeping in his van to maximize his time and effort.
- Baumgartner won his first Olympic gold medal in the mixed team snowboard cross event at the 2022 Beijing Games.
- Baumgartner finished third in a World Cup event in Turkey about a year ago, his best recent result.
The players
Nick Baumgartner
A 44-year-old American snowboarder who is determined to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy, in hopes of breaking his own record as the oldest snowboarding medalist in Olympic history.
What they’re saying
“To finally knock that off after years of falling short and falling short, nothing could have muted that celebration.”
— Nick Baumgartner (Yahoo Sports)
“Don't believe the excuses. Find a way to make it happen. If I stop moving, I'm going to be in big trouble. But if I continue to keep moving and keep doing stuff and take care of my body and train, I think I'll be fine.”
— Nick Baumgartner (Yahoo Sports)
What’s next
Baumgartner will continue his rigorous training regimen as he prepares to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy, where he will look to break his own record as the oldest snowboarding medalist in Olympic history.
The takeaway
Nick Baumgartner's determination to compete at the highest level of his sport well into his 40s serves as an inspiring example that age is just a number when it comes to elite athletic performance. His perseverance and dedication to his craft defy conventional wisdom about the prime years for snowboarders, showing that with the right mindset and training, older athletes can still achieve greatness.
