The 2026 Winter Olympics, hosted in Milan Cortina, Italy, kicked off with an incredible opening ceremony on Friday, Feb. 6. Since then, Team USA has won a total of 27 medals across multiple disciplines, with the breakdown: nine gold, 12 silver, and six bronze. 

This tally puts the U.S. in second place behind Norway (37). 

For Simmons students unsure of which athletes to cheer for, you are in luck. This year, the U.S. Olympic team is comprised of 232 talented athletes all looking to secure a victory for their country, with over 20 of them representing Massachusetts and the greater New England region.

If you are from Massachusetts, what are the chances that you might meet one of these Olympians one day? The prospects are pretty exciting. 

Here is a list of local names to watch over the coming week:

• Matt Boldy; Millis, MA – Ice Hockey
• Alex Carpenter; North Reading, MA – Ice Hockey
• Zachary DiGregorio; Medway, MA – Luge
• Korey Dropkin; Southborough, MA – Curling (Silver, Mixed Doubles)
• Jack Eichel; North Chelmsford, MA – Ice Hockey
• Chevonne Forgan; Chelmsford, MA – Luge
• Noah Hanifin; Norwood, MA – Ice Hockey
• Ansel Haugsjaa; Framingham, MA – Luge
• Kris Horn; Pembroke, MA – Bobsled
• Julia Kern; Waltham, MA – Cross Country Skiing
• Julie Letai; Medfield, MA – Speedskating
• Maxim Naumov; Norwood, MA – Figure Skating

All data accurate as of Feb. 20