Ski mountaineering will make its Olympic debut this year, the first winter sport to do so since 2002. Skeleton, luge, ski jumping and moguls are also getting new events.

By Liz Hampton TESERO, Feb 5 (Reuters) - The U.S. cross-country skiing team may be poised for its strongest Olympic performance at the 2026 Winter Games, with veteran Jessie Diggins leading the women's team and Gus Schumacher pushing the men's efforts against stiff competition from Norway and Italy.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced the cross-country skiing roster that will represent the Stars and Stripes at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics in just two weeks.

The United States has the most athletes competing in the Winter Olympics, but is not favored to win the gold medal race.

Cross-country skiing, the rugged grandfather of snow competition, will give its brightest stars a defining stage at the Milan Cortina Winter Games. Sporting greats such as Jessie Diggins of the United States and Italy’s own Federico Pellegrino arrive at the Feb.

Jessie Diggins, age 34, helped break an Olympic medal drought for American cross-country skiers that dated back to the 1970s. In her final season, she enters the Milan Cortina Olympics on a winning streak and with new peace of mind.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport rejected Bolshunov’s last-ditch attempt to be able to compete as an Individual Neutral Athlete.

With a baby on her back, Tabitha Peterson was determined to complete a trip around Snail Lake on skis. As mom kicked and glided around the lake, daughter Noelle peered out from a thick, gray onesie and watched the scenery pass by.