Meet the Minnesotans Set to Shine at the 2026 Winter Olympics
As the world's best athletes gather in Milano Cortina for the 2026 Winter Olympics, one group of Minnesotans is sure to be on everyone's radar. A total of 25 state residents will compete in various winter sports, with Jessie Diggins, a cross-country skiing superstar from Afton, as the biggest name to watch.
Diggins, who has already claimed two Olympic gold medals and has been named one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people in the world, is set to make her final appearance at the Olympics. The 34-year-old athlete has been a driving force behind the growth of cross-country skiing in the US over the past decade, inspiring countless young athletes with her infectious joy and dedication to mental health advocacy.
Alongside Diggins are several other Minnesota Olympians competing in curling, hockey, speedskating, biathlon, and more. The list includes talented athletes like Taylor Anderson-Heide, Giorgia Birkeland, Matt Boldy, Josefin Bouveng, and Zak Ketterson, who have made their mark on the national stage with achievements ranging from World Championship titles to NCAA victories.
One athlete standing out is 29-year-old Joel Eriksson Ek of the Minnesota Wild, a professional hockey player who will compete alongside his international teammates in Milano Cortina. The team, which boasts some of the most talented young players in the world, looks to bring home its first-ever Olympic gold medal in men's ice hockey.
The Minnesota contingent is not limited to individual sports; several teams from state universities like the University of Minnesota Duluth and St. Cloud State will compete together as part of national programs. The Gophers women's hockey team, which has been one of the top-ranked collegiate programs for years, is looking to make a strong showing in Milano Cortina.
Minnesota natives have also made names for themselves in other winter sports like speedskating, biathlon, and curling. For example, 23-year-old Brock Faber, a defenseman for the Minnesota Wild, will compete alongside his national team in men's ice hockey. Another standout athlete is 26-year-old Grace Zumwinkle of the St. Paul Frost, who has been training hard to make her mark on the world stage.
As the Olympics draw near, Minnesotans are eagerly anticipating this opportunity to showcase their talents and represent their state on the global stage.
As the world's best athletes gather in Milano Cortina for the 2026 Winter Olympics, one group of Minnesotans is sure to be on everyone's radar. A total of 25 state residents will compete in various winter sports, with Jessie Diggins, a cross-country skiing superstar from Afton, as the biggest name to watch.
Diggins, who has already claimed two Olympic gold medals and has been named one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people in the world, is set to make her final appearance at the Olympics. The 34-year-old athlete has been a driving force behind the growth of cross-country skiing in the US over the past decade, inspiring countless young athletes with her infectious joy and dedication to mental health advocacy.
Alongside Diggins are several other Minnesota Olympians competing in curling, hockey, speedskating, biathlon, and more. The list includes talented athletes like Taylor Anderson-Heide, Giorgia Birkeland, Matt Boldy, Josefin Bouveng, and Zak Ketterson, who have made their mark on the national stage with achievements ranging from World Championship titles to NCAA victories.
One athlete standing out is 29-year-old Joel Eriksson Ek of the Minnesota Wild, a professional hockey player who will compete alongside his international teammates in Milano Cortina. The team, which boasts some of the most talented young players in the world, looks to bring home its first-ever Olympic gold medal in men's ice hockey.
The Minnesota contingent is not limited to individual sports; several teams from state universities like the University of Minnesota Duluth and St. Cloud State will compete together as part of national programs. The Gophers women's hockey team, which has been one of the top-ranked collegiate programs for years, is looking to make a strong showing in Milano Cortina.
Minnesota natives have also made names for themselves in other winter sports like speedskating, biathlon, and curling. For example, 23-year-old Brock Faber, a defenseman for the Minnesota Wild, will compete alongside his national team in men's ice hockey. Another standout athlete is 26-year-old Grace Zumwinkle of the St. Paul Frost, who has been training hard to make her mark on the world stage.
As the Olympics draw near, Minnesotans are eagerly anticipating this opportunity to showcase their talents and represent their state on the global stage.
! But let's get real, Jessie Diggins is like a no-brainer gold medal winner 
. I mean, two Olympic golds and Time Magazine's 100 most influential people list? She's basically a cross-country skiing icon 
. And what about the rest of the team? I'm low-key excited for Taylor Anderson-Heide in curling, but let's see if they can bring home that elusive gold 
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. And those St. Cloud State teams? Bringing some serious heat 
. I'm not gonna lie, though, I'm a bit surprised there aren't more Minnesotans competing in sports like figure skating or skeleton 
. Maybe we'll see some up-and-coming talent next time around 
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Those Minnesotans are gonna crush it at the Olympics 
! Diggins is gonna light up that track like a hot summer night in Minneapolis 
. I mean, don't get me wrong, she's cool and all, but 25 Minnesotans competing in the Olympics? That's just a numbers game, you know? 
Anyone can get lost in the crowd, even if they're a superstar like Diggins. And what about the others? Are they not worthy of attention? 
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️ The Minnesota Wild hockey team is like, super strong right now and I'm so stoked they're representing our state. It's going to be amazing to see all these Minnesotans come together and show off their skills 
. But at the same time, I gotta say, some of these athletes are kinda...overhyped 
. I mean, Joel Eriksson Ek is a pro hockey player, but does he really need to bring his A-game to the Olympics? 
?
. It'll be awesome to see some Minnesotans bring home those medals 
. Go Team USA (and Minnesota)! 
. and omg, a team from UMD? that's like, my fave school in minnesota lol. but seriously tho, it's so cool to see all these talented minnesotans representing our state on the world stage 
. and can we talk about Joel Eriksson Ek for a sec? he's like, my favorite hockey player ever 
. go team minnesota!!! 
. Seriously though, it's awesome to see so many talented athletes from Minnesota coming together to represent their state and country.
. Like, can we even? Two Olympic gold medals and still killing the cross-country skiing game at 34?! I mean, that's what we call dedication... and also slightly intimidating for everyone else in the sport 
They're about to shine so bright at the 2026 Winter Olympics! I mean, Jessie Diggins is basically a legend already, but she's still got it going for her last big appearance... and then there's all these other talented Minnesotans like Taylor Anderson-Heide and Giorgia Birkeland who are just gonna crush it in their respective sports. It's amazing to see how far Minnesota has come when it comes to winter sports - from curling to hockey, speedskating to biathlon... our state is literally bringing the heat! 
i mean Jessie Diggins is a total legend already got 2 olympic golds under her belt and she's still pushing herself to be the best, that's what i love about her dedication 
. anyway can't wait to watch these minnesotans shine in milano cortina 
. And can't wait to watch Joel Eriksson Ek and Brock Faber crush it on the ice 
I'm literally hyped for Jessie Diggins!!! 
And did you see that Time Magazine thing? 
That's like paying off every single college student loan in MN! 