As the world turns its attention toward the snow-covered peaks and ice-rink brilliance of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, New Jersey is preparing to take its place in the international spotlight. Ten athletes with deep Garden State roots have earned selections to Olympic and Paralympic rosters, transforming hometown pride into worldwide anticipation. Their journeys—from local rinks and training centers to global podium pursuits—underscore New Jersey’s growing reputation as an unlikely but undeniable force in winter sports excellence.
When the opening celebrations begin in early February, these athletes will represent more than just their countries. They will carry the spirit of Mount Holly, Morristown, Millburn, Monroe Township, Franklin Lakes, Green Brook, Montclair, Princeton, and beyond. Each has built a path defined by discipline, ambition, and community support, turning local facilities, school programs, and collegiate pipelines into launching pads for international success.
Figure skating fans across the state are already rallying behind Isabeau Levito, whose performances have redefined expectations for American skating. Training out of a New Jersey ice center, Levito’s graceful precision and competitive poise have earned her national titles and world recognition, positioning her as a contender on the sport’s biggest stage. Her Olympic debut represents not only a personal milestone but also the rise of New Jersey as a training ground for elite skating talent.
On the ice hockey front, the Garden State’s connection to the sport runs deep, and the Olympic selections reflect that heritage. Jack Hughes, a household name for local professional hockey fans, brings star power and speed to the men’s roster as NHL athletes return to Olympic competition. Meanwhile, Alex Carpenter’s long-established international career continues, fueled by early years spent in New Jersey rinks and a childhood immersed in the sport. Her return to Olympic play adds veteran leadership to a team chasing gold.
The women’s hockey tournament will also feature New Jersey’s influence beyond U.S. borders. Sarah Fillier, shaped in part by her collegiate career at Princeton, joins Canada’s roster as one of the sport’s most dynamic forwards. Jacquie Pierre, a Montclair native, will take the ice for Italy, skating for the host nation and bringing local pride to an international jersey. Together, they highlight how New Jersey’s hockey ecosystem feeds talent into multiple corners of the global game.
Snowboarding adds another layer to the state’s Olympic story. Jess Perlmutter of Millburn arrives as a creative force in slopestyle and big air, blending technical mastery with artistic expression. Brianna Schnorrbusch, from Monroe Township, brings speed and fearlessness to snowboard cross, having built a reputation for aggressive racing and consistent podium finishes. Their presence reflects a new generation of winter athletes who discovered their drive far from mountain peaks yet mastered their craft through relentless travel, training, and perseverance.
The bobsled track features its own New Jersey milestone through Bryan Sosoo, a former collegiate track standout who transitioned from sprint lanes to ice chutes. His selection marks a historic moment for his university and signals the expanding crossover between traditional athletic programs and winter sport development.
Paralympic competition will also showcase the Garden State’s extraordinary talent. Josh Pauls, a sled hockey legend from Green Brook, returns to lead Team USA with a decorated legacy of championship performances. Jack Wallace, from Franklin Lakes, joins him with experience and hunger for another top-tier finish. Their careers embody resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that define Paralympic sport.
What unites all ten athletes is not only talent, but the infrastructure and culture of sport that New Jersey continues to nurture. Local rinks, youth leagues, training academies, high school programs, and college pipelines have steadily transformed the state into a breeding ground for winter competitors once thought to emerge only from northern mountain regions. This evolution has reshaped expectations and created new opportunities for young athletes who now see Olympic dreams as realistic goals.
As Milano Cortina 2026 approaches, communities across the state will gather to watch hometown heroes compete under global lights. Their stories will inspire the next wave of athletes stepping onto ice for the first time or strapping into boards and sleds with ambition in their eyes. For fans who want to follow more stories of local athletic achievement, Explore New Jersey’s sports coverage continues to highlight the teams, players, and programs shaping the state’s dynamic athletic identity.
When the world tunes in to the Winter Games, New Jersey will not simply be watching. It will be represented, celebrated, and recognized on sport’s grandest stage, proving once again that excellence can rise from anywhere—and that the Garden State belongs in the global conversation.
