The upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina are set to feature a notably diverse U.S. Olympic roster, with a strong representation of women of color in bobsled and skeleton events. As USA Bobsled and Skeleton finalizes its team, analysts predict that the roster will likely include either eight or nine female athletes, potentially marking the most diverse winter Olympic team in U.S. history. The 2018 U.S. team comprised 21 athletes of Black or Asian descent, representing about 8% of the total competitors. The 2026 team is on track to exceed these figures.
Athletes like Mystique Ro, a U.S. skeleton competitor of Black and Korean descent, are leading the charge toward greater representation. Ro, who won the world championship in the mixed event alongside Austin Florian, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We’re really doing this. The train has left the station. We’re going. And it’s such a surreal feeling. … We’re really making history out here and it’s not slowing down at all.”
Despite these advancements, the broader landscape of winter sports still reveals significant challenges regarding diversity. The National Ski Areas Association reported in 2024 that only about 1% of visitors to U.S. ski resorts identify as Black. The high costs and remote locations of many winter sports facilities contribute to these disparities.
Although the U.S. has produced prominent Black athletes in winter sports, the majority of medal contenders still come from predominantly white backgrounds. Notably, Elana Meyers Taylor, a five-time Olympic medalist, holds the title of the most decorated Black athlete in Winter Olympic history. Furthermore, Kaysha Love made history as the first Black woman to become the reigning world champion in monobob. Erin Jackson, who earned gold in 2022 as the first Black woman to win an Olympic winter title in an individual sport, is also set to compete again in 2026. Rising star Laila Edwards will represent the U.S. women’s hockey team, marking a significant moment as the first Black woman to don the American jersey at the Olympics.
Edwards emphasized the importance of representation in sports, stating, “It’s a really big deal. Representation matters. In terms of processing it, I think I’m just trying to use it as something that motivates me to be the best role model and person I can be.”
While progress is evident, many believe that more initiatives are necessary to sustain diversity outside the Olympic spotlight. Ro highlighted the need for consistent visibility throughout the year, saying, “There’s a lot more diversity. But seeing us without the helmet, seeing the roster, seeing the names, it’s just really important how we present it to the people so it’s not just at the Olympics.”
The journey of athletes entering winter sports is often marked by recruiting from other disciplines, particularly track and field, where speed and power are critical attributes. Vonetta Flowers made history as the first Black woman to earn a bobsled medal for the U.S., winning gold alongside Jill Bakken at the Salt Lake City Games in 2002. Since then, women of color have consistently reached the medal podium.
Athletes like Meyers Taylor cite Flowers as a significant source of inspiration. Kaysha Love, who transitioned from a record-setting sprinting career to bobsledding, remarked on her journey, saying, “Growing up, I was really only excited about summer sports because that’s where I saw me. … Now I get to be that representation along with some of my other teammates who have worked so hard to be a part of this.”
As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, the U.S. Olympic roster reflects a promising shift towards inclusivity in winter sports, suggesting that the future may hold even greater opportunities for athletes of color.
