I am on a mission to interview 100% of the 2026 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Team. Follow the journey!

INSIDE The mental game OF the 2026 games

304 Athletes.

Building the most comprehensive record of Olympic mindset. On a mission to interview 100% of the 2026 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Team.

The Stories

304 athletes. Every story. Every mindset.

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I’m Amy Wotovich! I am interviewing all 304 athletes on this year’s U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Team. The goal? The most comprehensive mindset record of a single Games cycle.

From MilanO CORTINA

In endurance-driven sports, performance is sustained quietly over time. Drawing from conversations with Cross Country and Skimo athletes, these conversations explore pacing effort, managing the inner voice, and staying mentally present through fatigue and repetition.
In precision-based disciplines, pressure is high and margins are thin. Drawing from conversations with figure skaters, snowboarders, and ski jumpers, these interviews examine managing pressure and entering flow state.
In high-speed, high-impact environments, emotion can either sharpen performance or derail it instantly. Drawing from conversations with bobsledders, ice hockey stars, lugers, and skeleton athletes, these interviews explore harnessing adrenaline as a tool.
A curling game unfolds slowly. Every decision compounds and emotional control is constantly tested. Drawing from conversations with Tabitha and Tara Peterson, this section looks at emotional regulation, clear communication, and strategic patience.
In these disciplines, hesitation has consequences. Crashes, fear, and uncertainty are part of the competitive reality. Drawing from conversations with alpine skiers, freestyle skiers, and speed skaters, these conversations explore committing fully under risk, rebuilding confidence after setbacks, and sustaining belief when the cost of doubt is high.

The Journey to 100%

I’m interviewing the greatest winter athletes in the United States. Because mindset matters. And in sport and life, it’s a competitive advantage.

The Stories

:Athlete names are included for editorial reference only; insights are drawn from conversations and don’t imply endorsement or affiliation.

“When I cross the finish line. I will never have regrets. I will never wonder what I could have done, what I could have given, what could have been.”

Jessie Diggins
“Fear will always be present. It’s empowering to look at it in a positive way. I acknowledge that it’s there but don't let it take control of me.”

Jackie Wiles
“People told me, ‘You will never be successful as an ice dancer.’ And I said, you know what? You can say that, but I’m going to try.”

Emilea Zingas
"Don't let the success or lack thereof steal the joy of why you started doing your sport in the first place.

Sam Morse
I've gotten much better at being comfortable with the feeling of being scared. the more you are confident in yourself, the less scary it will be."

Mary Bocock
“I had to reframe the risk. If I failed to help Team USA qualify for the Olympics, that would honestly be expected. But what if we did succeed? That would be incredible.”

Anna Gibson
“It’s important to continue to give yourself reminders of what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and what you’re trying to achieve,”

Neville Wright
“My biggest mindset focus this past year has been to be present. We move through the day so quickly we don't even realize it."

Mia Manganello
"Fear is absolutely nothing more than a mental distraction that will get in the way of you achieving your goal."

Andrew Kurka
"Once the stone is off the stick, it's gone. We can't control the ice, we can't control the other team. I'm playing the stones. I'm playing the ice."

Steve Emt
"I think a lot of times when it comes to decision-making and taking risks, the risk and the downside of it isn't that bad. It's an uncomfortable area for some folks to operate in."

Bryan Sosoo

FOLLOW THE JOURNEY

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@backtheteam

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FOLLOW THE JOURNEY ☆ @backtheteam ☆

INSIDE The mental game OF the 2026 games

INSIDE The mental game OF the 2026 games

From MilanO CORTINA

The Journey to 100%

“When I cross the finish line. I will never have regrets. I will never wonder what I could have done, what I could have given, what could have been.”

“Fear will always be present. It’s empowering to look at it in a positive way. I acknowledge that it’s there but don't let it take control of me.”

“People told me, ‘You will never be successful as an ice dancer.’ And I said, you know what? You can say that, but I’m going to try.”

"Don't let the success or lack thereof steal the joy of why you started doing your sport in the first place.

I've gotten much better at being comfortable with the feeling of being scared. the more you are confident in yourself, the less scary it will be."

“I had to reframe the risk. If I failed to help Team USA qualify for the Olympics, that would honestly be expected. But what if we did succeed? That would be incredible.”

“It’s important to continue to give yourself reminders of what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and what you’re trying to achieve,”

“My biggest mindset focus this past year has been to be present. We move through the day so quickly we don't even realize it."

"Fear is absolutely nothing more than a mental distraction that will get in the way of you achieving your goal."

"Once the stone is off the stick, it's gone. We can't control the ice, we can't control the other team. I'm playing the stones. I'm playing the ice."

"I think a lot of times when it comes to decision-making and taking risks, the risk and the downside of it isn't that bad. It's an uncomfortable area for some folks to operate in."

FOLLOW THE JOURNEY

☆

@backtheteam

☆

FOLLOW THE JOURNEY ☆ @backtheteam ☆ FOLLOW THE JOURNEY ☆ @backtheteam ☆

FOLLOW THE JOURNEY ☆ @backtheteam ☆