The Winter Olympics are more than just a sporting event; they’re a showcase of human achievement, cultural shifts, and emerging narratives. While spectacle and record-breaking performances are expected, the 2026 Games in Italy stand out for the athletes pushing boundaries both on and off the ice. These 12 competitors aren’t just aiming for medals—they’re making history.
Breaking Barriers in Figure Skating: Amber Glenn
Amber Glenn is reshaping figure skating. The openly pansexual athlete has already secured three US national titles and a Grand Prix Final championship, using her platform to openly discuss mental health struggles and ADHD. Her performances, including a striking rendition of Olivia Rodrigo’s “Vampire,” are both athletic feats and statements of self-expression.
“The fear of not being accepted is a huge struggle… I don’t want to shove my sexuality in people’s faces, but I also don’t want to hide who I am.” —Amber Glenn
Glenn’s visibility matters because representation in elite sports historically lags behind societal acceptance. Her success challenges traditional norms and provides a role model for LGBTQ+ athletes.
Redefining Hockey’s Face: Laila Edwards
Laila Edwards is making history as the first Black woman to play on the US Olympic hockey team. In a sport dominated by a specific demographic, Edwards’ presence is a powerful symbol of inclusion. The support from NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce, who donated to her family’s travel fund, highlights the broader recognition of her significance.
Edwards’ journey isn’t just about athletic talent; it’s about overcoming systemic barriers and changing perceptions in a historically exclusive space.
“Walking into a rink and having someone say ‘the basketball court’s that way’… taught me lessons and had me grow a thicker skin.” —Laila Edwards
A Filipina First: Tallulah Proulx
At 17, Tallulah Proulx is the youngest Filipino ever to qualify for the Winter Olympics, and the first Filipina to compete in alpine skiing. Though she was born in California and now resides in Utah, she competes under the Philippines flag, inspiring a new generation of athletes in her ancestral homeland.
Proulx’s story underscores the growing global reach of the Olympics and the power of national identity in international competition. Her presence will likely galvanize support for winter sports in the Philippines.
“I’m just really happy, and I hope I can be a role model to other young Filipina girls and Filipinas in general.” —Tallulah Proulx
Marriage Equality on Ice: Kim Meylemans & Nicole Silveira, Anna Kjellbin & Ronja Savolainen
The 2026 Winter Olympics will see two married couples competing against each other: Kim Meylemans (Belgium) and Nicole Silveira (Brazil) in skeleton, and Anna Kjellbin (Sweden) and Ronja Savolainen (Finland) in ice hockey. Their participation is especially poignant given the current political climate in Italy, where LGBTQ+ rights are under threat.
This competition isn’t just athletic rivalry; it’s a direct challenge to discriminatory policies. The couples’ Instagram post underscores their intent to “shine a light on marriage equality.” Their presence is a powerful statement in a host country where their rights are contested.
Beyond the Competition
The athletes highlighted here represent a larger trend: the Olympics are increasingly becoming a platform for social and political expression. Whether through open discussion of mental health, racial representation, or LGBTQ+ visibility, these competitors are redefining what it means to be an athlete in the modern era.
The 2026 Winter Olympics will be remembered not just for who wins, but for who breaks barriers and inspires change. The athletes featured here prove that the true measure of success extends far beyond the medal count.
