A limited time Back The Team edition diving into the mentality of the world’s best athletes.

INSIDE The mental game OF the 2026 games

17 Disciplines. One Mentality.

A limited-time Back The Team edition for Games enthusiasts of all kinds, whether you’re an avid fan, a parent, a coach, or simply love elite sport.

To mark the moment, gain access for $26.

INSIDE The mental game OF the 2026 games

17 Disciplines. One Mentality.

Their Stories

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In endurance-driven sports, performance is sustained quietly over time. Drawing from conversations with Nordic and Skimo athletes including Anna Gibson, Cam Smith, Kendall Kramer, Jack Young, and speed skaters Julie Letai, Mia Manganello, Clayton DeClemente, and Giorgia Birkeland, this section explores 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 ice dancers Christina Carreira, Anthony Pomonarenko, Emilea Zingas, Vadym Kolesnik, aerial skier Kalia Kuhn, and ski jumpers Paige Jones and Tate Frantz, this section examines 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 Carsten Vissering, Emily Renna, Neville Wright, and ice hockey goaltender Ava McNaughton, this section explores 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 Jackie Wiles, Kyle Negomir, Mary Bocock, Sam Morse, freestyle skier Grace Henderson, and para snowboarder Kate Delson, this section explores committing fully under risk, rebuilding confidence after setbacks, and sustaining belief when the cost of doubt is high.

This is the kind of insight that makes your Olympics dinner table conversation actually interesting. Go behind-the-scenes with Back The Team into the mental game shaping the 2026 Winter Games.

Come inside our private community and gain unfiltered stories and perspectives compiled from Back The Team’s interviews with one-quarter of America’s Winter Games athletes. Shared live from Milan as the action unfolds.

From Milan, to yoU

INSIDE THE MENTAL GAME

Live from Milan and Livigno. The Mental Game of the 2026 Games

Their Stories

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

“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

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Confidence. Composure. Courage. Gold medal moments in Milan 🇺🇸🥇 Breaking down the mental game of the Games. Follow along @backtheteam 💙 #mindset #backtheteam #milanocortina2026 #figureskating

GOLD MEDAL MOMENT FOR @usfigureskating 🥇⛸️ & the mindset behind it 💙 @backtheteam X @milanocortina2026 #mindset #grit #milanocortina2026 #olympics

Olympic DEBUT for @grace_henderson ✅ Her path to @milanocortina2026 was anything short of linear, but her story of grit is proof that the strongest comebacks start with your mindset Breaking down the mental game behind the games at @backtheteam 💙 #backtheteam #mindset #olympics #milanocortina2026 #freestyle 📸: Grace Henderson / Instagram

💙💛🖤💚❤️ @backtheteam X @milanocortina2026 #backtheteam #mentorship #milanocortina2026 #olympics #milan

it’s GO time!! @backtheteam X @milanocortina2026 #backtheteam #mindset #grit #milan #olympics

Let the curling begin! The @milanocortina2026 Games are officially underway and we sat down with @taraissupercool of @teampetersonusa to dive into her mentality on Olympic ice. The takeaway? This accomplished sister duo is full of trust and ready to take their second Olympic appearance together in stride 🔥 Breaking down the mental game of the 2026 games at @backtheteam 💙 Learn more in bio! #backtheteam #mindset #mentorship #milancortina2026 #olympics 📸: Team Peterson / Instagram

Introducing…THE MENTAL GAME BEHIND THE 2026 GAMES 🔥 Live from Milan. Launching tomorrow. 17 Disciplines. 1 Mentality. Spots limited. Link in bio 💙 #backtheteam #mindset #milancortina2026 #olympics

Happy National Girls and Women in Sports Day!! 💙 Especially celebrating the incredible female athletes gearing up to compete in @milanocortina2026 ….and the next generation of female athletes following in their footsteps 😌 Behind every athlete who steps into competition is a whole team of coaches, parents, friends, family, and teammates who make it possible. Proud to back mindset at @backtheteam 🚀 #backtheteam #mindset #grit #ngwsd 📸 Courtesy of athletes

Ski jumping...the easiest feeling in the world? Only for @tate_frantzz 🚀 T-3 days to @milanocortina2026 👀 Breaking down the mental game behind the 2026 Games at @backtheteam #backtheteam #mindset #grit #skijumping #milan 📸: Tate Frantz

INSIDE The mental game OF the 2026 games

INSIDE The mental game OF the 2026 games

From Milan, to yoU

INSIDE THE MENTAL GAME

“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."

We're Social

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@backtheteam

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We're Social ☆ @backtheteam ☆ We're Social ☆ @backtheteam ☆

We're Social ☆ @backtheteam ☆