Utah Olympian Reflects on Cortina Games 70 Years Ago

As the 2026 Winter Olympics return to Italy, a 90-year-old Utah native recalls his experience competing in Cortina in 1956.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Marvin Melville, a 90-year-old Utah native and two-time Olympian, is reflecting on his experience competing in the 1956 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy as the games return to the Italian slopes. Melville, who was 20 years old at the time, vividly remembers the parade, representing the United States, and the unexpected moments of human connection that transcended Cold War tensions, even as he crashed and broke his skis during the treacherous Olympic downhill course.

Why it matters

Melville's story provides a unique perspective on the Olympic Games from a simpler era, highlighting how the competition and international camaraderie have evolved over the decades. As the 2026 Winter Olympics unfold in Milan and Cortina, his reflections offer a poignant reminder of the enduring spirit of the games.

The details

Melville competed in the 1956 and 1960 Olympic Games, finishing in 22nd place in 1960. He has donated his Olympic mementos to the Alf Engen Ski Museum, though he borrowed them back to share his story. Melville's official team jacket from 1956 still fits him after all these years, and he reflects on how wearing the Olympic patches was a "big deal" at the time.

  • Marvin Melville competed in the 1956 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy when he was 20 years old.
  • Melville also competed in the 1960 Winter Olympics in California, now known as Palisades Tahoe, where he finished in 22nd place.
  • The 2026 Winter Olympics are currently unfolding in Milan and Cortina, Italy.

The players

Marvin Melville

A 90-year-old Utah native and two-time Olympian who competed in the 1956 and 1960 Winter Games.

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What they’re saying

“The parade, being a part of the team and representing the United States, there's nothing quite like that.”

— Marvin Melville, Two-time Olympian (KSTU via CNN Newsource)

“The Russians scored a goal, and she took her fist and slammed me in the shoulder. All of a sudden I had a strong, warm affiliation with the Russians, which previously, you know, I thought they were the enemy.”

— Marvin Melville, Two-time Olympian (KSTU via CNN Newsource)

“Having this on your ski uniform was a big deal.”

— Marvin Melville, Two-time Olympian (KSTU via CNN Newsource)

What’s next

As the 2026 Winter Olympics continue in Italy, Melville's story will likely continue to be highlighted as a testament to the enduring legacy of the games.

The takeaway

Marvin Melville's reflections on competing in the 1956 and 1960 Olympics provide a unique historical perspective on the evolution of the Winter Games, from a simpler era of international camaraderie to the global spectacle it has become today.