As the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics approach (February 6–22), many elite athletes are preparing to push their physical limits. For several members of Team USA, the journey to the podium is paved with more than just training; it is anchored in their Catholic and Christian faith.
Here is a look at the athletes leaning on their spirituality as they compete on the world stage.
The Ice: Strength in Routine and Resilience
Britta Curl-Salemme (Hockey)
A key player for the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team, 25-year-old Curl-Salemme views the rink as a "path to be a saint." She draws stability from her Catholic faith, starting every morning with Bible study and frequently sharing resources like masstimes.org with her followers.
The Mindset: She sees team sports as a spiritual exercise in "dying to self" and putting the collective good above personal ego.
Maxim Naumov (Figure Skating)
Naumov’s journey is one of profound resilience. After losing both parents—former Olympic skaters and his coaches—in a tragic 2025 mid-air plane collision, the 24-year-old nearly left the sport. Supported by fellow Olympian Spencer Howe (an aspiring Army chaplain), Naumov found solace in the church.
The Moment: After qualifying for the team, Naumov, who wears his baptismal cross during every performance, told reporters simply, "God is good."
The Track: Bobsledding with Purpose
Jadin O’Brien
A former track star at the University of Notre Dame, O'Brien transitioned to bobsledding after battling a rare autoimmune condition (PANDAS) in her youth. She uses holy water to bless the tracks where she competes.
Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 29:11 (“For I know the plans I have for you...”).
Elana Meyers Taylor
Meyers Taylor is already the most decorated Black athlete in Winter Olympic history with five medals. At 41, she balances her pursuit of gold with motherhood; her sons, Nico and Noah, are both deaf, and Nico has Down syndrome.
The Mission: She views her platform as a way to show other parents of children with special needs what is possible through faith and perseverance.
The Slopes: Proclaiming Faith from the Peaks
Sam Morse (Alpine Skiing)
After a decade on the national team, Morse is making his Olympic debut. He is the co-founder of the FAST Camp (Faith And Ski Training), which blends elite race training with spiritual development for teens.
The Philosophy: Morse describes his faith as the "glue" of his life, aiming to use his career to "proclaim His name from the highest mountains."
Paul Schommer (Biathlon)
A graduate of the Benedictine College of St. Scholastica, Schommer is heading into his second Olympics with a grounded perspective.
The Identity: He emphasizes that his worth isn't tied to race results. "My identity... comes through my identity in Christ because he’s the one who gives me my meaning," he shared with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Summary of Faith-Based Athletes
| Athlete | Sport | Faith Tradition | Key Perspective |
| Britta Curl-Salemme | Hockey | Catholic | Faith provides stability in a chaotic schedule. |
| Jadin O’Brien | Bobsled | Catholic | Uses her platform to glorify God after health struggles. |
| Elana Meyers Taylor | Bobsled | Christian | Views the sport as a way to honor God and her family. |
| Maxim Naumov | Figure Skating | Christian | Found healing through faith after family tragedy. |
| Sam Morse | Alpine Skiing | Christian | Integrates faith training with elite athletic coaching. |
| Paul Schommer | Biathlon | Christian | Prioritizes prayer and a Christ-centered identity over medals. |
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