www.espn.com
These 12 players are expected to have the biggest impact in the fight for gold at the next Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, based on their current projected form and continued dominance in the sport:
- Mikaela Shiffrin (USA) – Already the greatest technical skier of all time, she enters as the heavy favorite for gold in slalom and giant slalom.
- Ester Ledečká (CZE) – The defending champion in Super-G who shocked the world in Beijing will look to repeat in speed events.
- Lara Gut-Behrami (SUI) – A powerhouse in the speed disciplines, she remains the one to beat in Downhill and Super-G.
- Federica Brignone (ITA) – The Italian will be fighting for the podium on home snow, particularly in Giant Slalom.
- Luka Dončić (SLO) – The NBA superstar is confirmed to lead the Slovenian national basketball team in its quest for a medal.
- Nikola Jokić (SRB) – The reigning NBA MVP will anchor the Serbian squad, making them a formidable contender for gold.
- Zdeněk Štěpánek (CZE) – A veteran curler whose leadership is crucial for the Czech Republic’s mixed doubles campaign.
- Bjørn Leirvik (NOR) – A key figure in Norway’s dominant cross-country program, slated to dominate endurance events.
- Lucas Braathen (BRA/NOR) – The charismatic slalom specialist is expected to challenge for the podium after his return to racing.
- Adrian Thoma (SUI) – A rising star in freestyle skiing who is tipped to make a splash in the aerial events.
- Mikita Katsnelson (USA) – Versatile and consistent, he is a strong contender across multiple freestyle disciplines.
- Tessa Moll (GER) – A technical ace in the luge singles who has been posting top times in pre-season training.
