Minocqua Olympian narrowly misses 2026 Winter Games roster

Cross-country skier Kevin Bolger had to self-fund his World Cup season after missing the national team

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Kevin Bolger, a cross-country skier from Minocqua, Wisconsin, narrowly missed making the U.S. Olympic team for the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games despite ranking 7th in World Cup points, which would have earned him one of the 8 available spots. Bolger had to self-fund his entire World Cup season after not making the national team, a costly endeavor that can reach tens of thousands of dollars.

Why it matters

This story highlights the financial challenges facing Olympic hopefuls who don't make their national team, as well as the complex roster decisions made by national governing bodies that can sometimes leave deserving athletes off the Olympic team despite strong performances.

The details

Bolger, who competed for Team USA in cross-country skiing at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, was hungry for another Olympic run. However, without a spot on the national team this time around, he had to self-fund his entire World Cup season, covering costs like plane tickets, lodging, and even bringing his own personal waxer. While the National Nordic Foundation helps offset some costs for athletes who meet certain performance benchmarks or fundraising goals, Bolger still faced significant financial hurdles in his pursuit of the 2026 Olympics.

  • Bolger finished 17th in the Men's Sprint at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
  • Bolger ranked 7th in World Cup points for 8 available Olympic positions for the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games.

The players

Kevin Bolger

A cross-country skier from Minocqua, Wisconsin who competed for Team USA at the 2022 Beijing Olympics and narrowly missed making the roster for the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games.

National Nordic Foundation

An organization that helps offset costs for athletes who meet certain performance benchmarks or fundraising goals.

Maja Dahlqvist

Bolger's Swedish girlfriend who won a bronze medal in her event at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Us newbies were like, this is the first time. Like, we don't know, we have nothing to compare it to, so this is awesome. Like this is going to be sweet. I mean, the COVID stuff sucks, but we're just going to roll with it.”

— Kevin Bolger (nbc26.com)

“They help out a ton, and there are different benchmarks with that foundation that if you race fast enough or help raise money for their foundation, they'll offset the cost of your total bill. So potentially there's a way that I could unlock, you know, 80% of my total bill covered by this foundation.”

— Kevin Bolger (nbc26.com)

“I mean, it's every kid's dream when they're doing a sport and they start to do it, like the Olympics is the gold standard.”

— Kevin Bolger (nbc26.com)

What’s next

Despite missing the Olympic team, Bolger and his family traveled to Italy as fans to cheer on his girlfriend Maja Dahlqvist, who won a bronze medal in her event.

The takeaway

This story highlights the financial challenges facing Olympic hopefuls who don't make their national team, as well as the complex roster decisions made by national governing bodies that can sometimes leave deserving athletes off the Olympic team despite strong performances.