The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, is set to begin on February 6. Athletes with connections to Rochester will kick off their Olympic journey a day earlier. Notably, there are ten current Olympians from this region.
Rochester Connections at the Olympics
- Chris Lillis, Pittsford-native and 2022 gold medalist
- Dylan Walczyk, Bristol-native competing in men’s moguls
- Haley Winn, Caroline Harvey, Laila Edwards, Kirsten Simms, and Ava McNaughton from Bishop Kearney
- Nina Christof, Jule Schiefer (forwards), and Michaela Hesová (goalie) skating for Germany and Czechia
Women’s Hockey Schedule
The U.S. women’s hockey team, featuring five Bishop Kearney graduates, is a favorite for gold. Their qualifying matches are as follows:
- February 5 at 10:40 a.m. — USA vs. Czechia
- February 7 at 10:40 a.m. — USA vs. Finland
- February 9 at 2:40 p.m. — Switzerland vs. USA
- February 10 at 2:10 p.m. — Canada vs. USA
- Quarterfinals begin on February 13 at 10:40 a.m.
Moguls and Aerials Events
Dylan Walczyk will participate in men’s moguls and dual moguls. His schedule includes:
- February 10 at 5:15 a.m. — Men’s moguls qualifying round 1
- February 12 at 4 a.m. — Men’s moguls qualifying round 2
- February 12 at 6:15 a.m. — Men’s moguls final
- February 15 at 4:30 a.m. — Men’s dual moguls finals
Chris Lillis aims for another medal in men’s aerials and mixed team aerials:
- February 17 at 7:30 a.m. — Men’s aerials qualifying round
- February 19 at 5:30 a.m. — Men’s aerials final
- February 21 at 4:45 a.m. — Mixed team aerials final
International Presence of Kearney Graduates
Michaela Hesová will represent Czechia in goal. Her games include:
- February 5 at 10:40 a.m. — USA vs. Czechia
- February 6 at 8:40 a.m. — Czechia vs. Switzerland
- February 8 at 3:10 p.m. — Czechia vs. Finland
- February 9 at 3:10 p.m. — Canada vs. Czechia
For Germany, Nina Christof and Jule Schiefer will compete as forwards:
- February 5 at 6:10 a.m. — Sweden vs. Germany
- February 7 at 6:10 a.m. — Germany vs. Japan
- February 9 at 10:40 a.m. — Germany vs. France
- February 10 at 10:40 a.m. — Italy vs. Germany
With the Olympics approaching, fans from the Rochester area are excited to support these talented athletes. Their dedication and hard work represent the spirit of the Games.
