The anticipation for the 2026 Winter Olympics is building as it draws near, with the world set to witness an incredible display of athleticism and determination in the stunning backdrop of Northern Italy. Scheduled to occur from February 6 to February 22, the games will take place across the picturesque cities of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Among the competitors will be a remarkable group of LGBTQ+ athletes, each aiming to showcase their talent while representing their countries on a global stage.
This year’s games promise to be particularly significant, not only for the athletic achievements but also for the representation of the LGBTQ+ community within sports. With a record number of openly LGBTQ+ participants, the 2026 Olympics will serve as a platform for visibility and acceptance.
Key LGBTQ+ athletes to look out for
As the winter sports season heats up, here are some standout individuals who are expected to shine at the games:
Amber Glenn – Figure Skating, Team USA
Amber Glenn, a talented figure skater from the United States, is anticipated to be a prominent name at this year’s Winter Olympics. At 26 years old, she publicly embraced her identity as bisexual and pansexual in 2019, and since then, her career has flourished. Glenn recently made waves by achieving a new record in the short program at the US Championships and is now the first American woman to win three consecutive national titles in over two decades.
Her participation in the Olympics is historic, as she will become the first out LGBTQ+ woman to compete in figure skating at the Olympics. Glenn attributes her success to her decision to live authentically, stating that being open about her identity has fostered a supportive community around her.
Anna Kjellbin and Ronja Savolainen – Women’s Hockey
Another couple making headlines is the engaged duo of Anna Kjellbin from Sweden and Ronja Savolainen from Finland. Both players are set to compete in women’s hockey, bringing their personal love story to the ice. While Kjellbin represents Sweden, Savolainen will be donning the colors of Finland, creating a unique rivalry on the Olympic stage.
This will be Savolainen’s third Olympic appearance, having previously secured bronze medals in 2018 and 2026, while Kjellbin will be making her Olympic debut. Their journey emphasizes the growing acceptance of LGBTQ+ athletes in competitive sports.
Veterans and rising stars
As the competition intensifies, several more LGBTQ+ athletes are set to leave their mark:
Brittany Bowe – Speed Skating, Team USA
Brittany Bowe, a decorated speed skater, is another athlete to watch. With two bronze medals from the past Olympics, Bowe is competing in her fourth Winter Games and is regarded as a strong contender for additional medals. Notably, she holds the world record for the 1000 meters and previously held the 1500 meters record.
Her relationship with fellow Olympian Hilary Knight has also garnered attention, with Bowe expressing that meeting Knight was her greatest triumph from the Beijing Olympics.
Gus Kenworthy – Freestyle Skiing, Team GB
Gus Kenworthy, a renowned freestyle skier, is making a comeback at his fourth Olympics after a brief retirement. Known for his memorable moments, including an iconic kiss with his then-partner during the 2018 Games, Kenworthy is representing Team GB this time around. He previously won a silver medal in 2014 and has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility in sports since coming out in.
Couples competing together
Another inspiring pair is Kim Meylemans and Nicole Silveira, who will face off against each other as skeleton racers. Meylemans, representing Belgium, has had a successful career with recent victories, while Silveira will represent Brazil. Their journey together illustrates the bond and support they offer each other, especially during the high-pressure environment of the Olympics.
Silveira highlights the importance of sharing the Olympic experience with her partner, emphasizing how it provides comfort and stability during such a demanding time.
Other notable LGBTQ+ athletes
With a record-breaking number of LGBTQ+ athletes participating, the games will feature several more competitors, including:
- Sanni Ahola – Women’s Hockey, Team Finland
- Erin Ambrose – Women’s Hockey, Team Canada
- Filippo Ambrosini – Figure Skating, Team Italy
- Chloe Aurard-Bushee – Women’s Hockey, Team France
- Cayla Barnes – Women’s Hockey, Team USA
- Guillaume Cizeron – Figure Skating, Team France
- Bruce Mouat – Curling, Team GB
- Marie-Philip Poulin – Women’s Hockey, Team Canada
As the world looks forward to the Winter Olympics, these athletes exemplify strength, resilience, and the spirit of inclusivity. The 2026 games will not only highlight exceptional athletic prowess but also celebrate the diversity within the sporting community.