President Donald Trump has officially unveiled the U.S. delegation set to attend the opening ceremony of the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, blending elite athletic talent with high-profile political leadership. In a move drawing national attention, Trump taps gold-medal athletes for U.S. delegation at Winter Olympics, highlighting past Olympic excellence on the world stage.
The delegation will be led by Vice President JD Vance alongside Second Lady Usha Vance, who will represent the United States during the high-profile international event. Their leadership signals the administration’s intent to showcase both American sports achievement and diplomatic presence.
Olympic Hockey Heroes Take Center Stage
Among the standout athletes selected are twin sisters Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson and Monique Lamoureux-Morando, key members of the legendary 2018 U.S. women’s hockey team. The duo played pivotal roles in securing a historic gold medal victory in South Korea, ending Canada’s two-decade dominance at the top of Olympic women’s hockey.
Jocelyne etched her name into Olympic history by scoring the dramatic game-winning goal in a shootout against Canadian goaltender Shannon Szabados. Monique delivered the crucial equalizer during regulation time, setting the stage for the unforgettable finish. Prior to their gold-medal triumph, both sisters had earned silver medals at the 2010 and 2014 Winter Games, making their journey a testament to perseverance and excellence.
Legendary Skaters Add Star Power
The delegation also features some of the most celebrated figures in U.S. Winter Olympic history. Apolo Ohno, a short track speedskating icon, brings his legacy of gold medals from the 2002 and 2006 Games. By 2010, Ohno had become the most decorated American Winter Olympian, adding silver and bronze medals to an already impressive collection.
Joining him is Evan Lysacek, who captured gold in men’s figure skating at the 2010 Winter Olympics. Lysacek’s victory remains one of the most memorable moments in U.S. figure skating, symbolizing grace, discipline, and competitive spirit.
Diplomatic Heavyweights Represent the U.S.
Beyond athletics, the delegation includes influential diplomatic figures. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will attend, underscoring the political significance of the event. Also representing the U.S. is Tilman Fertitta, the American ambassador to Italy. A prominent billionaire entrepreneur, Fertitta is known for owning Landry’s restaurant empire, the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casinos, and the Houston Rockets NBA franchise.
Fertitta is also the author of the best-selling business book “Shut Up and Listen!”, adding a business and leadership dimension to the delegation’s profile.
A Strategic Blend of Sports and Statesmanship
By assembling a delegation that combines Olympic champions with senior diplomats, Trump taps gold-medal athletes for U.S. delegation at Winter Olympics to project American strength, unity, and achievement on an international platform. The Milan-Cortina opening ceremony will not only celebrate global sport but also serve as a moment of national representation shaped by excellence, leadership, and legacy.
