Lake Placid, N.Y. is gearing up for a groundbreaking moment as the U.S. Olympic bobsled and skeleton teams prepare their rosters for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. With indications that eight or nine women will likely represent the federation, the roster is on track to reflect unprecedented diversity. This year could mark the most inclusive U.S. Olympic winter team ever, with a significant representation of women of color.
In the 2018 Winter Games, only 21 athletes of Black or Asian descent competed, comprising about 8% of the total U.S. roster. By contrast, the 2026 team is expected to surpass this number, signaling a positive shift in diversity within winter sports. Mystique Ro, a U.S. skeleton athlete of Black and Korean descent, expressed optimism about this progress. “We’re really doing this,” she stated, highlighting the sense of history being made in these sports.
The presence of Black women in winter sports has been notable in recent years. Elana Meyers Taylor, a five-time Olympic medalist, holds the record as the most decorated Black athlete in Winter Games history. Kaysha Love, the reigning world champion in monobob, is the first Black woman to hold that title. Additionally, Erin Jackson secured her place in history as the first Black woman to win an Olympic winter gold in an individual sport during the 2022 Games. As the Olympic spotlight shines brightly, Black athletes are stepping into roles that redefine representation in winter sports.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. The National Ski Areas Association reported that only about 1% of visitors to U.S. ski resorts identify as Black. Barriers such as cost and accessibility persist, making it difficult for many athletes of color to participate in these sports. The overwhelming majority of the approximately 2,900 athletes who competed in the 2022 Winter Games identified as white. Nevertheless, nations with non-traditional winter sports teams, such as Jamaica, Nigeria, and Ghana, continue to make their mark.
Bobsledder Adanna Johnson reflected on her journey, stating, “I never thought I would be doing this. The sport is growing. There are more opportunities.” This sentiment echoes across the community as athletes like Ro advocate for sustained visibility and engagement, particularly outside the Olympic years. “There’s a lot more diversity,” Ro emphasized, urging that representation must extend beyond the Games.
As the narrative of winter sports evolves, the recruitment system remains a pivotal factor. Most athletes on the national bobsled teams come from other sports, often excelling in track due to the emphasis on speed and power. Vonetta Flowers made history as the first Black woman to win a bobsled medal for the U.S. by claiming gold at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. Since then, women of color have steadily reached the podium, inspiring new generations.
Meyers Taylor, who excelled in softball before transitioning to bobsled, cites Flowers as a key inspiration. Similarly, Love transitioned from a record-setting sprinting career in high school to bobsledding, affirming her belief that she would reach this level of competition. “Growing up, I was really only excited about summer sports because that’s where I saw me,” Love remarked. “Now I get to be that representation along with my teammates.”
As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, the evolving dynamics of participation and representation in winter sports remain a focal point. The momentum built by these athletes reflects a broader cultural shift, underscoring the importance of diversity in all facets of athletics. The engagement of athletes of color and their stories not only inspires future competitors but also reshapes the image of winter sports on a global stage.
