Long Island's 2026 Winter Olympics Hopefuls

Local athletes, from seasoned pros to rising stars, aim to represent Team USA at the upcoming Winter Games.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 5:15am

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As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, a new generation of Long Island athletes are vying for spots on Team USA, continuing the region's tradition as a pipeline for Olympic talent. Standouts like Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy, the Rivers triplets training for alpine skiing, and the sibling figure skating duo Ooana and Gage Brown are among those aiming to make their Olympic debuts.

Why it matters

Long Island has a rich history of producing Winter Olympians, from figure skaters like Sara Hughes to lugers like Matt Mortensen. This current crop of hopefuls reflects the depth of winter sports talent emerging from the region, which is not traditionally associated with these events.

The details

McAvoy, a Long Beach native, is making his first Olympic appearance after establishing himself as a top defenseman in the NHL with the Boston Bruins. The Rivers triplets from Long Island are training to qualify for the Olympics in alpine skiing, representing Jamaica where their mother is from. Ooana and Gage Brown, a sibling figure skating duo from Port Washington, are former World Junior Champions aiming to make the 2026 U.S. Olympic team.

  • The 2026 Winter Olympics are scheduled to take place.
  • The Olympic team selections are approaching in the coming months.

The players

Charlie McAvoy

A Long Beach native and defenseman for the Boston Bruins, making his first Olympic appearance.

Helaina, Henniyah, and Henri Rivers IV

17-year-old triplets from Long Island training as alpine ski racers to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics representing Jamaica.

Ooana and Gage Brown

A sibling figure skating duo from Port Washington who are former World Junior Champions and are targeting the 2026 Winter Olympics to represent Team USA.

Sara Hughes

An Oceanside native who won seven gold medals, one silver, and three bronze throughout her career, capturing gold in women's ice skating at the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Devin Marie Logan

An Oceanside native who won silver in the women's slopestyle event at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

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What they’re saying

“I'm very proud of being from Long Island and the success that we've been able to have.”

— Charlie McAvoy (New York State Amateur Hockey Association)

“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)

What’s next

The Olympic team selections are approaching in the coming months, determining which Long Island athletes will represent Team USA at the 2026 Winter Games.

The takeaway

Long Island's rich history of producing Winter Olympians continues, with a new generation of talented athletes from the region vying for spots on the 2026 U.S. Olympic team across a variety of winter sports.