The 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics are fast approaching, and ESPN has highlighted 32 U.S. Olympians to watch. The opening ceremony will feature simultaneous cauldron lightings and athlete parades across multiple locations. Among the athletes are figure skaters Ilia Malinin, Amber Glenn, and Alysa Liu, as well as skiers Mikaela Shiffrin and Lindsey Vonn. Hockey star Hilary Knight will also compete.

Figure skating will be a major draw, with Malinin, known as the "Quad God," aiming to dominate the men's competition. Veteran Madison Chock and Evan Bates in ice dancing, are expected to contend for gold in their final season. In skiing, Shiffrin seeks redemption after a disappointing performance in 2022, while Vonn aims to become the oldest alpine skier to medal.

Hilary Knight is making her fifth Olympics appearance, the most for a U.S. hockey player. Additionally, Laila Edwards is set to become the first Black woman to represent the U.S. in Olympic hockey. With the Games just around the corner, these athletes are poised to make headlines. Fans eagerly await the opening ceremony.

These Winter Olympics will showcase a variety of sports across venues throughout northern Italy, providing a global stage for athletes to compete. The diverse lineup of U.S. Olympians represents the country's best, and fans are excited to see them compete. The competitions will be intense.