As the 2026 Winter Olympics begin in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, several athletes competing this year have been open about their Christian faith. Their statements and actions reflect how belief in God shapes their careers and personal lives. Here are seven Christian athletes who have shared publicly about their faith and are participating or expected to participate in this year's Games.
1. Jaccob Slavin - USA, Men's Ice Hockey
Slavin plays for the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes and is a returning member of Team USA. He has spoken in interviews about being raised in a Christian home and how his faith informs his conduct on and off the ice. He and his wife are also active in Christian adoption advocacy.
2. Kendall Coyne Schofield - USA, Women's Ice Hockey
Coyne Schofield is a veteran U.S. Olympian and gold medalist. In 2022, she released a book, As Fast As Her, published by Zondervan, where she discusses her experiences as a Christian in elite sports. She has been open about how her faith influences her values and motivation.
2. Kendall Coyne Schofield - USA, Women's Ice Hockey
Coyne Schofield is a veteran U.S. Olympian and gold medalist. In 2022, she released a book, As Fast As Her, published by Zondervan, where she discusses her experiences as a Christian in elite sports. She has been open about how her faith influences her values and motivation.
4. David Wise - USA, Freestyle Skiing
Wise is a two-time Olympic gold medalist in halfpipe skiing. He has said in multiple interviews that his faith is central to his identity and that skiing is a platform to live out his Christian values.
5. Brittany Bowe - USA, Speed Skating
Bowe has represented the U.S. in multiple Olympic Games and was one of Team USA's flag bearers in 2022. She has mentioned her Christian beliefs in public appearances and has credited her faith during her comeback from injury.
6. Aja Evans - USA, Bobsled
Evans is an Olympic medalist and has been part of multiple U.S. bobsled teams. She has expressed her faith publicly, noting its role in helping her face personal and professional challenges.
7. Katie Uhlaender - USA, Skeleton
Uhlaender has competed in five Olympic Games. She has spoken about her Christian beliefs in past interviews, especially in relation to recovering from injuries and coping with the loss of her father.
These athletes represent a range of sports and backgrounds, but they share a willingness to speak about how faith informs their mindset, motivation, and resilience at the highest level of international competition.
