44-Year-Old Baumgartner Sets Off for Fifth Olympic Games

Olympic gold medalist snowboarder Nick Baumgartner departs for Cortina, Italy, hoping to make one final Olympic run.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:47pm

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44-year-old Olympic gold medalist snowboarder Nick Baumgartner is departing from Green Bay's Austin Straubel Airport for his fifth Olympic Games in Cortina, Italy. Baumgartner, who hails from Iron River, Michigan, qualified for the Olympics just last week, much to the relief of his family who had already booked accommodations to watch him compete. Despite his age, Baumgartner is determined to win his first individual gold medal and represent the United States with pride.

Why it matters

Baumgartner's quest to compete in his fifth Olympics at the age of 44 is a remarkable feat, showcasing his enduring passion and skill in the sport of snowboarding. As one of the oldest competitors, his potential success would inspire others and highlight the longevity possible in elite winter sports.

The details

Baumgartner qualified for the Olympics just last week, much to the relief of his family who had already booked accommodations to watch him compete. The gold medalist in snowboard cross says he normally doesn't feel pressure, but this year was different due to the late qualification. Baumgartner will begin competition on February 12 and while his goal is to win his first individual gold medal, he says to get any medal at his age would make a statement.

  • Baumgartner departed from Austin Straubel Airport in Green Bay on Wednesday morning.
  • Baumgartner will begin competition at the Olympics on February 12.

The players

Nick Baumgartner

A 44-year-old Olympic gold medalist snowboarder from Iron River, Michigan who is making his fifth appearance at the Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“It's wild to be able to have another opportunity at this. It's crazy, and to think that I'm still doing this, what, 21 years later from when I started this journey, it's quite awesome.”

— Nick Baumgartner, Olympic Gold Medalist Snowboarder

“My family, we have 20 people coming over there to watch the games and they had all their accommodations, everything booked. The only thing that they needed was for me to make the team.”

— Nick Baumgartner, Olympic Gold Medalist Snowboarder

“I've been to 40 countries all over the world and still the best part of my trips is coming back home here to the US. I wear that flag with pride.”

— Nick Baumgartner, Olympic Gold Medalist Snowboarder

What’s next

Baumgartner will begin competition at the Olympics on February 12, where he will aim to win his first individual gold medal.

The takeaway

At 44 years old, Nick Baumgartner's quest to compete in his fifth Olympics showcases his enduring passion and skill in the sport of snowboarding. His potential success would inspire others and highlight the longevity possible in elite winter sports.