- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Appleton Today
By the People, for the People
Grandmother Cheers on Wisconsin Olympian from Appleton
95-year-old Dorothy Loomis watches her grandson Ben Loomis compete in the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics from her retirement home.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Dorothy Loomis, a 95-year-old resident of Touchmark in Appleton, Wisconsin, is eagerly watching the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics to cheer on her grandson, Ben Loomis, who is competing in cross-country skiing and jumping events. Although the rest of the Loomis family is in Milan to support Ben in person, Dorothy is too old to travel but is still rooting for him from home, often yelling at the television during the broadcasts.
Why it matters
The story highlights the deep family connections and generational support that can come with having an Olympian in the family, even if the grandparent is unable to travel to the event. It also showcases how retirement homes and communities can come together to support their residents' loved ones competing on the world stage.
The details
Dorothy Loomis has watched her grandson Ben Loomis compete in skiing and jumping events since he was 4 years old growing up in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Ben has now qualified for the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics, and while the rest of the Loomis family is there to cheer him on in person, Dorothy is watching the broadcasts from her room at Touchmark, a retirement community in Appleton. Other Touchmark residents have also tuned in to the Olympic coverage to support Ben and the rest of Team USA.
- Ben Loomis has been jumping since he was 4 years old.
- Ben Loomis competed in the Nordic combined hill competition on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, finishing 17th and being the first from Team USA to cross the finish line.
The players
Dorothy Loomis
A 95-year-old resident of Touchmark in Appleton, Wisconsin, who is the grandmother of Olympic athlete Ben Loomis.
Ben Loomis
A cross-country skier and jumper from Wisconsin who is competing in the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics for Team USA.
What they’re saying
“It's very exciting to watch him. And I'm just glad the other children and their spouses could be over there cheering him on too.”
— Dorothy Loomis (fox11online.com)
“I do, I have yelled at that television a lot. But I don't think they hear me.”
— Dorothy Loomis (fox11online.com)
“Stay healthy, and stay on your feet.”
— Dorothy Loomis (fox11online.com)
The takeaway
This story demonstrates the enduring power of family support and community engagement, even when physical distance separates loved ones. Dorothy Loomis' unwavering enthusiasm for her grandson's Olympic journey, despite her own limitations, is a heartwarming testament to the unbreakable bonds that can transcend age and geography.
