Polish Skier to Continue Family Legacy at 2026 Cortina Olympics

Maryna Gasienica-Danielová's journey to the Winter Games represents a multi-generational sporting tradition.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy will host the 2026 Winter Olympics, and for Polish skier Maryna Gasienica-Danielová, the games represent a continuation of her family's remarkable sporting legacy spanning three generations and two world wars. Her great-uncle Andrzej competed in ski jumping at the 1956 Cortina games, while her great-aunts Helena and Maria participated in cross-country and alpine skiing respectively.

Why it matters

Gasienica-Danielová's story highlights the growing trend of multi-generational athletic families and the powerful emotional resonance of returning to ancestral sporting grounds. Across numerous sports, we're seeing a surge in athletes following in the footsteps of their parents and grandparents, driven by factors like genetic predisposition, early exposure, and a sense of family pride and tradition.

The details

Gasienica-Danielová's family history in Cortina d'Ampezzo dates back to the 1956 Winter Olympics, when her great-uncle Andrzej competed in ski jumping and her great-aunts Helena and Maria participated in cross-country and alpine skiing. This remarkable legacy has fueled Gasienica-Danielová's own passion for the sport and her determination to represent Poland at the 2026 games.

  • The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.
  • Gasienica-Danielová's great-uncle Andrzej competed in the 1956 Cortina Olympics.

The players

Maryna Gasienica-Danielová

A Polish skier who will compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, continuing her family's multi-generational sporting legacy.

Andrzej Gasienica-Daniel

Gasienica-Danielová's great-uncle, who competed in ski jumping at the 1956 Cortina Olympics.

Helena Gasienica-Daniel

Gasienica-Danielová's great-aunt, who participated in cross-country skiing at the 1956 Cortina Olympics.

Maria Gasienica-Daniel

Gasienica-Danielová's great-aunt, who participated in alpine skiing at the 1956 Cortina Olympics.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Returning to Cortina, where my family has such deep roots in the Olympics, is an incredible honor. I feel a strong connection to this place and the legacy my ancestors left behind.”

— Maryna Gasienica-Danielová (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

Gasienica-Danielová will continue her training regimen in preparation for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, where she hopes to add another chapter to her family's remarkable sporting history.

The takeaway

Gasienica-Danielová's story is a powerful example of how multi-generational athletic families and the emotional connection to sporting heritage are becoming increasingly important in the world of elite competition. As technology and data-driven training continue to evolve, these family legacies may play an even greater role in shaping the future of sports.