U.S. Olympic Skeleton Team Announced: Florian, Ro, Curtis, and Barefoot to Compete in Milan Cortina
The United States Olympic team for skeleton has been revealed, with seasoned competitors and a rising star poised to represent the nation at the Milan Cortina Olympics next month. Austin Florian and Mystique Ro, the reigning mixed team world champions, lead the charge, joined by veteran Kelly Curtis and newcomer Dan Barefoot in the head-first sliding discipline.
A New Era for U.S. Skeleton
Florian and Barefoot will compete in the men’s event, while Ro and Curtis will represent the U.S. in the women’s competition. Curtis stands as the sole athlete returning from the 2022 Olympic team, bringing invaluable experience to the squad. The selection process highlighted both established talent and the emergence of new contenders, showcasing the growing depth within the U.S. skeleton program.
While Florian, Ro, and Curtis have consistently demonstrated their prowess on the World Cup circuit, Barefoot’s journey to Olympic qualification was particularly compelling. After a challenging first half of the World Cup season, where he didn’t achieve a top-23 finish in any of his four races, Barefoot dramatically turned his performance around. He secured three victories in a remarkable six-day span on the North American Cup circuit, accumulating the necessary points to earn his Olympic berth. This late surge exemplifies the competitive spirit and determination driving the U.S. team.
Uhlaender’s Olympic Bid Falls Short Amid Controversy
The team selection wasn’t without its drama. Five-time Olympian Katie Uhlaender made a determined effort to qualify, competing in both North American Cup (NAC) and Asian Cup races. Despite her efforts, she narrowly missed the cut. Uhlaender subsequently appealed to the International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation (IBSF), requesting that full points be awarded for a race she won on January 11th. Had her request been granted, she potentially could have secured a spot on the Olympic team.
Uhlaender raised concerns about a decision by Canadian coaches to withdraw some of their sliders from the Lake Placid, New York race, arguing that it unfairly reduced the total standings points available. The IBSF investigated the matter and ultimately determined that Canada had not violated any rules with their decision. This situation sparked debate within the skeleton community, raising questions about competitive fairness and the impact of strategic team decisions.
What impact will Barefoot’s late-season surge have on the overall performance of the U.S. men’s skeleton team? And how will Curtis’s experience guide the newer members of the squad as they navigate the pressures of Olympic competition?
The skeleton competition is scheduled to take place in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, from February 12th to 15th. The U.S. team will undoubtedly be aiming to build upon their recent successes and contend for medals on the world’s biggest stage.
For more information on the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, visit the Associated Press Olympics hub. Further details on the International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation can be found at the IBSF official website.
Frequently Asked Questions About the U.S. Olympic Skeleton Team
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