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Tahoe-Truckee Athletes Shine on the World Stage: 8 Heading to the 2026 Winter Olympics

A photo collage of the Tahoe-Truckee Olympians heading for the 2026 games in action.

Tahoe-Truckee Athletes Shine on the World Stage: 8 Heading to the 2026 Winter Olympics

A photo collage of the Tahoe-Truckee Olympians heading for the 2026 games in action.

There’s something special about living in a place where adventure and inspiration surround you every day. As the 2026 Winter Olympics begin in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, our hearts are beeming with pride: eight incredible athletes with Tahoe-Truckee ties are representing Team USA this February.

We know firsthand how our local mountains shape big dreams—through early mornings, shared sacrifice, and celebrating victories both large and small. This year, our community’s Olympic roster is nothing short of extraordinary.

Our Local Powerhouse Athletes

Bryce Bennett (Tahoe City)
At 33 and competing in his third Olympic Games, Bryce is known for his speed, confidence, and now a new role—as a dad. He’ll be flying downhill for all of us, no doubt imagining the stories he’ll one day share with his daughter back home. Bryce’s journey is a powerful reminder that Tahoe’s mountain spirit is truly generational.

AJ Hurt (Carnelian Bay)
From sweeping ski slopes alongside her dad to racing her first World Cup at just 16, AJ embodies what it means to grow up local and dream big. Fresh off a breakthrough season, she’s balancing elite competition with open, honest conversations about mental preparation and resilience.

Keely Cashman (Strawberry)
Keely’s path to the Olympics didn’t follow a traditional “ski school” route. Fueled by her family’s community coffee shop, Serene Bean, and a determined, can-do attitude, she’s become a role model for anyone from a small town with big dreams.

Nina O’Brien (Denver, via Palisades Tahoe)
Before earning national titles and competing at the highest levels, Nina learned her turns at Palisades Tahoe. Her family’s love for ski racing—starting with the Mighty Mite program—laid the foundation for a remarkable career that continues to inspire young athletes.

Abby Winterberger (Truckee)
At just 15 years old, this Olympic Valley Freestyle Freeride Team standout is heading to her very first Olympics in the freeski halfpipe. Abby’s success shows what’s possible when raw talent is matched with strong community support.

Hahna Norman (Truckee)
Hahna Norman represents the heart and determination of Truckee’s athletic community. Growing up surrounded by snow and adventure, she found her calling in snowboarding and quickly made her mark. Her fearless style and relentless work ethic earned her a spot on Team USA—and her first Winter Olympics. Hahna’s journey is about more than medals; it’s about hometown pride and inspiring the next generation to dream big.

Hanna Percy (Truckee)
Born and raised in Truckee, Hanna Percy took her snowboarding passion coast to coast. While she now trains with the renowned Gould Academy in Maine, her story began right here on Tahoe’s slopes. Her adventurous spirit and high-flying talent secured her place on Team USA for the 2026 Games.

JC Schoonmaker (Tahoe City)
Returning to the world’s biggest winter sports stage, JC Schoonmaker brings the strength and spirit of Tahoe City to his second Winter Olympics in cross-country skiing. From countless hours on Tahoe XC trails to representing Team USA in 2022, JC’s journey is one of perseverance, community, and love for the outdoors. He’s not just a world-class skier—he’s a mentor and inspiration.

Greatness in Our Own Backyard

Whether racing down the slopes or launching into the halfpipe, these athletes are living proof that with heart, hard work, and a supportive community, greatness can begin—and thrive—right here at home.

To every Tahoe-Truckee Olympic athlete: congratulations. Your community is cheering you on, and we can’t wait to watch you take on the world with the spirit of the Sierra behind you. We’ll be cheering from the lift line, the coffee cart, and the trails.

Tahoe is home to champions—in sport, in heart, and in community.

Go, Team USA! 🇺🇸

Source: Adapted from South Tahoe Now, article by Paula Peterson.

Source: Adapted from South Tahoe Now, article by Paula Peterson.

ABOUT THE CARROLL RABER REAL ESTATE TEAM

When it comes to finding the perfect property in Truckee – Lake Tahoe, California, the Carroll Raber Real Estate Team, is an ideal choice. With 40+ years of combined experience in the local real estate market, Chris & Ally have an in-depth understanding of the area and the buying & selling processes. They will provide you with valuable advice, guidance and expert negotiation skills during the sale or purchase of your next property.

The Carroll Raber Real Estate Team is committed to providing the highest level of customer service while helping you achieve your real estate goals.  Chris & Ally strive to make the process of purchasing or selling as stress-free and enjoyable as possible, with the best possible outcome.

Contact Chris Carroll and Ally Raber today.

A photo collage of the Tahoe-Truckee Olympians heading for the 2026 games in action.

There’s something special about living in a place where adventure and inspiration surround you every day. As the 2026 Winter Olympics begin in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, our hearts are beeming with pride: eight incredible athletes with Tahoe-Truckee ties are representing Team USA this February.

We know firsthand how our local mountains shape big dreams—through early mornings, shared sacrifice, and celebrating victories both large and small. This year, our community’s Olympic roster is nothing short of extraordinary.

Our Local Powerhouse Athletes

Bryce Bennett (Tahoe City)
At 33 and competing in his third Olympic Games, Bryce is known for his speed, confidence, and now a new role—as a dad. He’ll be flying downhill for all of us, no doubt imagining the stories he’ll one day share with his daughter back home. Bryce’s journey is a powerful reminder that Tahoe’s mountain spirit is truly generational.

AJ Hurt (Carnelian Bay)
From sweeping ski slopes alongside her dad to racing her first World Cup at just 16, AJ embodies what it means to grow up local and dream big. Fresh off a breakthrough season, she’s balancing elite competition with open, honest conversations about mental preparation and resilience.

Keely Cashman (Strawberry)
Keely’s path to the Olympics didn’t follow a traditional “ski school” route. Fueled by her family’s community coffee shop, Serene Bean, and a determined, can-do attitude, she’s become a role model for anyone from a small town with big dreams.

Nina O’Brien (Denver, via Palisades Tahoe)
Before earning national titles and competing at the highest levels, Nina learned her turns at Palisades Tahoe. Her family’s love for ski racing—starting with the Mighty Mite program—laid the foundation for a remarkable career that continues to inspire young athletes.

Abby Winterberger (Truckee)
At just 15 years old, this Olympic Valley Freestyle Freeride Team standout is heading to her very first Olympics in the freeski halfpipe. Abby’s success shows what’s possible when raw talent is matched with strong community support.

Hahna Norman (Truckee)
Hahna Norman represents the heart and determination of Truckee’s athletic community. Growing up surrounded by snow and adventure, she found her calling in snowboarding and quickly made her mark. Her fearless style and relentless work ethic earned her a spot on Team USA—and her first Winter Olympics. Hahna’s journey is about more than medals; it’s about hometown pride and inspiring the next generation to dream big.

Hanna Percy (Truckee)
Born and raised in Truckee, Hanna Percy took her snowboarding passion coast to coast. While she now trains with the renowned Gould Academy in Maine, her story began right here on Tahoe’s slopes. Her adventurous spirit and high-flying talent secured her place on Team USA for the 2026 Games.

JC Schoonmaker (Tahoe City)
Returning to the world’s biggest winter sports stage, JC Schoonmaker brings the strength and spirit of Tahoe City to his second Winter Olympics in cross-country skiing. From countless hours on Tahoe XC trails to representing Team USA in 2022, JC’s journey is one of perseverance, community, and love for the outdoors. He’s not just a world-class skier—he’s a mentor and inspiration.

Greatness in Our Own Backyard

Whether racing down the slopes or launching into the halfpipe, these athletes are living proof that with heart, hard work, and a supportive community, greatness can begin—and thrive—right here at home.

To every Tahoe-Truckee Olympic athlete: congratulations. Your community is cheering you on, and we can’t wait to watch you take on the world with the spirit of the Sierra behind you. We’ll be cheering from the lift line, the coffee cart, and the trails.

Tahoe is home to champions—in sport, in heart, and in community.

Go, Team USA! 🇺🇸

Source: Adapted from South Tahoe Now, article by Paula Peterson.

ABOUT THE CARROLL RABER REAL ESTATE TEAM

When it comes to finding the perfect property in Truckee – Lake Tahoe, California, the Carroll Raber Real Estate Team, is an ideal choice. With 40+ years of combined experience in the local real estate market, Chris & Ally have an in-depth understanding of the area and the buying & selling processes. They will provide you with valuable advice, guidance and expert negotiation skills during the sale or purchase of your next property.

The Carroll Raber Real Estate Team is committed to providing the highest level of customer service while helping you achieve your real estate goals.  Chris & Ally strive to make the process of purchasing or selling as stress-free and enjoyable as possible, with the best possible outcome.

Contact Chris Carroll and Ally Raber today.