As the world gears up for the next edition of the Winter Olympics, the excitement is already beginning to build. Once every four years, the coldest season becomes the hottest stage for athletic drama, with skiers, skaters, snowboarders, and sliders chasing gold and glory against the backdrop of icy mountains and frosty arenas. While the host city shines with pageantry, it’s the athletes who truly light up the Games—and this year’s slate is stacked with familiar heroes, rising stars, and trailblazing newcomers ready to carve their names into Olympic history.
Here’s a preview of the standout athletes you’ll want to watch when the flame is lit and the world turns its attention to winter’s ultimate sporting showdown.
1. Mikaela Shiffrin – Alpine Skiing (USA)
If you’ve watched any Winter Olympics in the past decade, you know the name Mikaela Shiffrin. Already a two-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the winningest skiers in history, Shiffrin returns with her eyes on further legacy-defining moments. With a resume boasting over 90 World Cup victories, she’s not just competing—she’s dominating.
What makes Shiffrin such a must-watch is her versatility. She excels in technical events like slalom and giant slalom but has recently expanded into speed events such as downhill and super-G. After a disappointing run in Beijing, the fire is back—and so is her form. Expect Shiffrin to be in contention for multiple medals.
2. Yuzuru Hanyu – Figure Skating (Japan)
Yuzuru Hanyu is nothing short of a global phenomenon. The two-time Olympic gold medalist mesmerized fans with his artistry, athleticism, and stoic poise under pressure. Although he stepped back from competitive skating recently, rumors of a potential return or exhibition performance always swirl around the Olympic season.
Whether competing or showcasing his talents on ice, Hanyu’s presence electrifies the rink. Should he lace up for one final Olympic appearance, it could become the emotional highlight of the Games.
3. Eileen Gu – Freestyle Skiing (China)
Eileen Gu became a breakout star during the Beijing 2022 Olympics, winning two gold medals and a silver at just 18 years old. Representing China while growing up in the U.S., Gu quickly became a global icon, thanks to her charisma, media presence, and jaw-dropping tricks.
Now a household name, Gu returns to the slopes with expectations sky-high. She competes in halfpipe, slopestyle, and big air—each one offering a shot at gold and a viral moment. Her success may also play a key role in boosting the Winter Olympics’ popularity with younger audiences.
4. Johannes Høsflot Klæbo – Cross-Country Skiing (Norway)
Cross-country skiing may not always be front-page news in the U.S., but in Norway, Johannes Klæbo is a superstar. The reigning Olympic champion in multiple events, Klæbo is known for his smooth technique, explosive sprint finishes, and competitive fire.
As he continues to chase all-time great status in the Nordic world, Klæbo is one of the most dominant—and watchable—athletes on snow. Whether you’re a ski fanatic or a casual fan, don’t miss his push for gold.
5. Erin Jackson – Speed Skating (USA)
Erin Jackson made history in 2022 as the first Black woman to win Olympic gold in speed skating. A former inline skater who transitioned to the ice just years before her victory, Jackson is a story of raw talent and relentless work.
She brings explosive power and poise to the 500-meter sprint, and as the defending Olympic champ, she’ll be the skater to beat. Jackson’s journey from rookie to record-setter is nothing short of inspiring—and she’s still ascending.
6. Francesco Friedrich – Bobsled (Germany)
Germany’s Francesco Friedrich is the undisputed king of bobsled. A double gold medalist in both two-man and four-man events, Friedrich dominates with clinical precision and raw speed. His sleds rarely miss the podium.
If you’re tuning in for high-speed, high-stakes action on ice, Friedrich’s runs are can’t-miss. He’s the standard everyone else is chasing.
7. Chloe Kim – Snowboarding (USA)
Few athletes have transcended their sport quite like Chloe Kim. The two-time Olympic halfpipe champion returns as both a crowd favorite and a trailblazer in women’s snowboarding. Known for her jaw-dropping amplitude and technical skill, Kim makes the impossible look effortless.
After taking time off to focus on her mental health and education, Kim is poised to return to Olympic competition with a vengeance. Expect her to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the pipe once again.
Dark Horses and Rising Stars
Every Olympics also features surprise stories—like teenage phenoms or veterans making one final push. Keep an eye out for:
- Ilia Malinin (USA, Figure Skating) – Known as the “Quad God,” Malinin is redefining the sport with his jump arsenal.
- Zoi Sadowski-Synnott (New Zealand, Snowboarding) – A rising force in slopestyle and big air.
- Alexandria Loutitt (Canada, Ski Jumping) – One of the sport’s promising young stars, especially after her World Championship breakthrough.
Final Thoughts: The Stage is Set
The Winter Olympics aren’t just a competition—they’re a celebration of human possibility under extreme conditions. Whether it’s the finesse of figure skating, the raw speed of luge, or the gravity-defying feats on a snowboard, the athletes bring passion, pressure, and performance to the global stage.
So mark your calendar, prep your late-night viewing snacks, and get ready. These athletes aren’t just competing for medals—they’re writing history. And you won’t want to miss a second of it.
