As the 2026 Winter Olympic Games begins, Black women athletes will be taking center stage on one of the world’s biggest sporting platforms.
The Games, scheduled for February 6–22, 2026, will be hosted across Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, bringing together 2,871 athletes from 92 countries in a global celebration of elite winter sport.
Among Team USA’s delegation are a select but influential group of Black women competitors whose presence underscores both progress and persistence in sports where diversity has long lagged behind. Though their numbers remain small, their impact is significant—reshaping perceptions, breaking barriers, and expanding representation across ice rinks, tracks, and snowy slopes.
One of the most prominent figures heading into Milano Cortina is Erin Jackson, the trailblazing speed skater who has not only earned Olympic gold but will also serve as Team USA’s flag bearer at the opening ceremony, a symbolic honor reflecting her leadership and achievements on the world stage. Jackson’s role highlights a broader shift toward visibility and recognition for Black athletes in winter sports.
Joining her are athletes such as Laila Edwards, a rising hockey standout who has already made history through her performances and continues to inspire a new generation of players.
Also returning to Olympic competition is Elana Meyers Taylor, one of the most decorated bobsledders in U.S. history, whose consistency and longevity have set new standards within the sport.
Their participation at Milano Cortina 2026 comes at a time when conversations around equity, access, and inclusion in athletics are increasingly shaping the Olympic movement.
For many fans, these athletes represent more than medal contenders—they embody progress in spaces where Black women have historically been underrepresented.
As the world turns its attention to Italy in 2026, all eyes will be on these competitors as they carry not only national hopes but also the aspirations of communities seeking broader representation in global sport.
Whether avid Olympic followers or casual viewers tuning in for the first time, many will be watching closely as these athletes continue to push boundaries and redefine what is possible at the Winter Games.
