The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina are officially underway, and a few familiar Penn State names are competing on one of the biggest stages in sports. From current students to alums, these Nittany Lions are representing their countries with pride.
Here are the Nittany Lions who are competing this year:
Tessa Janecke: Team USA
Senior forward Tessa Janecke made history as the first Penn State women’s hockey player to make the U.S. Olympic team. She has been a key player for the Nittany Lions, and now she is bringing that same energy to Team USA. Janecke has already built a strong international career, and this is a huge moment for both her and Penn State hockey.
Jessica Adolfsson: Team Sweden
Jessica Adolfsson, a Penn State alumna, is back at the Olympics after competing in 2022. As a defender for Sweden, she brings experience and leadership to her team. Her return to the Games shows how far the Penn State women’s hockey program has come.
Nicole Hall: Team Sweden
Sophomore Nicole Hall is also representing Sweden. She has been a strong scorer for the Nittany Lions and earned her spot on the national team through consistent hard work. Competing in the Olympics while still in college is an incredible achievement.
Matilde Fantin: Team Italy
Freshman Matilde Fantin is playing for Italy, the host country of this year’s Games. Even early in her college career, she has already made an impact at Penn State. Now, she is skating in front of a home crowd on one of the biggest stages in the world.
Dan Barefoot: Team USA Skeleton
Penn State alumnus Dan Barefoot is competing in skeleton, one of the fastest and most intense winter sports. Racers speed headfirst down an ice track, reaching high speeds in just seconds. Barefoot earned his Olympic spot after strong results in international competitions.
From Italy to Happy Valley, our Nittany Lions are proving that Penn State pride does not stop at the edge of campus. They are carrying the lessons, work ethic and spirit they built in blue and white onto one of the biggest stages in the world.
What’s your favorite sport in this year’s Winter Olympics? Let us know your thoughts by tagging @VALLEYMag on Instagram!
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