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New York Athletes Primed for 2026 Winter Olympics

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. rk-athletes-primed-for-2026-winter-olympics.html
  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, February 11th 2026 at 16:14 GMT by NBC New York
      Locales: UNITED STATES, ITALY

Mariah Bell, a figure skating veteran, exemplifies this connection. Though born in Maine, Bell spent her formative years training in Long Island, a hotbed for figure skating talent. Having already tasted Olympic competition in Beijing 2022, Bell is determined to return to the ice in Italy, bringing with her years of experience and a refined artistry. Her journey showcases Long Island's enduring legacy in producing world-class figure skaters. The region's strong skating clubs and dedicated coaches have consistently nurtured athletes who compete at the highest levels.

On the hockey front, Cayden Primeau, currently a goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens, boasts roots in Riverside, Connecticut, but crucially, spent significant time honing his skills in New York's competitive youth hockey leagues. These leagues, renowned for their intensity and focus on skill development, provided Primeau with the foundation he needed to excel. The experience gained navigating these demanding environments prepared him for the professional ranks and now, potentially, for Olympic glory.

The transition from one sport to another is a rare and impressive feat, and Lakeith Smith embodies that spirit. The former college football player from the University of Maine made a bold move from Albany, New York, to the world of bobsled. After a stint attempting to make it in the NFL, Smith is now striving to help Team USA's bobsled team secure a medal. His athletic prowess and dedication to a new discipline demonstrate the adaptability and resilience of Olympic athletes. His story highlights the opportunities available within the Olympic movement for athletes from diverse backgrounds.

Joey Mantia, a Queens native, is a seasoned speed skater aiming for his third Olympic appearance in 2026. Mantia has consistently ranked among America's elite speed skaters, and his experience will be invaluable to the team. Coming from a borough synonymous with grit and determination, Mantia embodies the New York spirit of relentless pursuit. He is a veteran presence, and could act as a mentor to the younger athletes on the team.

Perhaps the most exciting prospect is Maia Szczepaniak, a freestyle skier from Saratoga Springs. Fresh off a gold medal win at the 2023 World Championships, Szczepaniak is widely tipped to be a breakout star at the Milan-Cortina Games. Saratoga Springs, known for its picturesque landscapes, has clearly fostered a love for winter sports in Szczepaniak, setting the stage for her international success. Her gold medal at the World Championships has firmly established her as a contender for Olympic gold.

Finally, Frankie Fennell, a rising star in snowboarding, hails from Staten Island. Fennell's ambition to represent the United States in 2026 demonstrates the growing accessibility of winter sports to athletes from all corners of the country, including urban environments like New York City. Her inclusion highlights the broadening base of talent within Team USA.

The 2026 Winter Olympics are poised to be a spectacular event. These athletes, representing a spectrum of winter sports, showcase not only their individual talents but also the powerful influence of New York in shaping their journeys. As the Games draw nearer, keep an eye on these Empire State athletes - they're not just competing for medals, they're carrying the pride of New York with them.