American Skier Makes Philippines Winter Olympics History

Tallulah Proulx, 17, is the first female Filipino Winter Olympian and the country's youngest athlete at the Games.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Tallulah Proulx, a 17-year-old American alpine skier, has qualified to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy, making her the first female athlete from the Philippines to compete in the Winter Games. Proulx, who has dual U.S. and Filipino citizenship, chose to represent the Philippines after determining it would be an easier path to the Olympics than trying to make the highly competitive U.S. team.

Why it matters

Proulx's achievement is significant as the Philippines has historically struggled to field competitive Winter Olympic teams, with the country's participation often limited to a single athlete. Her selection as the Philippines' flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony represents an important milestone for winter sports development and representation in the country.

The details

Proulx, who was raised in Berkeley, California and later moved to Park City, Utah to train, qualified for the Olympics on the last day of qualifications in northern California. She and her mother were unsure if she had made the cut until receiving the news moments after her final run. Proulx chose to compete for the Philippines, her mother's home country, as the path to the U.S. team would have likely required taking a gap year and a longer climb up the ranks.

  • Proulx qualified for the 2026 Winter Olympics in her final qualifying run in northern California in January 2026.
  • The 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony took place on February 6, 2026 in Cortina, Italy.
  • Proulx was the Philippines' flag bearer at the 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony.

The players

Tallulah Proulx

A 17-year-old American alpine skier who is the first female athlete from the Philippines to compete in the Winter Olympics.

Philippines

The country Proulx is representing at the 2026 Winter Olympics, making her the first female Filipino Winter Olympian.

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What they’re saying

“I was like, so happy, so excited, and it didn't feel real.”

— Tallulah Proulx, Skier (CBS News)

“I'm definitely feeling some pressure. This is my big, first, like, international competition with this insanely high level of athletes. But the outcome, like, depending whatever the outcome may be, I'll just keep a positive mindset and just have fun and be here for the experience. And I'm really excited to show the Philippines and show the world what the Philippines can do.”

— Tallulah Proulx, Skier (CBS News)

What’s next

Proulx will compete in the alpine skiing events at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy, with the goal of becoming the Philippines' first female Winter Olympian to win a medal.

The takeaway

Proulx's journey to the Winter Olympics as the first female Filipino athlete represents an important milestone for winter sports development and representation in the Philippines. Her achievement inspires young Filipinos to pursue their athletic dreams, even in non-traditional sports.