Macuga Sisters Poised for Milan-Cortina Olympics as Trio Makes U.S. Team History
PARK CITY, Utah / MILAN-CORTINA, Italy — In a story that seems scripted for Olympic lore, three American sisters — Sam, Lauren and Alli Macuga — are chasing a dream that has been decades in the making: all three qualifying for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in three different disciplines. Their journey is not just a family tale of sibling rivalry and unbreakable support, it’s also one of remarkable athletic achievement that could place them among the few families in U.S. Olympic history to accomplish such a feat.
From backyard sledding in Utah to international World Cup circuits, the Macuga sisters have carved unique paths in their respective sports — ski jumping, alpine skiing and moguls — making them figures to watch as Team USA solidifies its roster for the upcoming Winter Games.
A Rare Sibling Olympic Dream
Growing up in Park City, Utah, a winter sports mecca with deep Olympic roots, the Macuga sisters took to snow almost as soon as they could walk. Their journey began in local youth programs — inspired by the legacy of the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics — and evolved into elite competition across multiple skiing disciplines.
The eldest Macuga sibling, Sam (24), gravitated toward the high-adrenaline world of ski jumping, a sport that literally tests the limits of courage and balance. Meanwhile, Lauren (23) found her pace in alpine skiing, specializing in speed events such as Super-G and downhill, where she rapidly rose through the ranks with podium-finishing performances. Younger sister Alli (22) chose moguls, one of freestyle skiing’s most dynamic events that combines speed, technique and aerial prowess.
“It’s competitive in the family, but on the slopes we uplift each other,” said Lauren in a heartfelt interview earlier in the season. “Being able to chase this together makes the dream feel even more real.”
Individual Roads to Olympic Qualification
Lauren Macuga: Speed, Breakouts and Setbacks
Lauren’s journey includes breakthrough victories and a promising World Cup rise. In early 2025, she secured her first Alpine World Cup win in super-G, becoming the youngest American woman to win a speed race since Lindsey Vonn. That World Cup podium marked her as a top contender in downhill and Super-G events heading into the Olympic season.
Her competitive streak and fearless style endeared her to fans and analysts, and her World Cup success gave her strong odds of representing Team USA in Milan-Cortina. But ahead of Olympic qualification, Lauren suffered a major right knee injury during training at Copper Mountain, Colorado, which required surgery and ended her World Cup campaign.
Despite this heartbreaking setback, Lauren’s spirit remains resilient. She is expected to undergo rehabilitation with hopes of returning to competition and, if circumstances allow, traveling with the U.S. team as a symbolic support presence — a testament to her enduring passion for the sport.
Sam Macuga: Taking Flight in Ski Jumping
For Sam, ski jumping is where speed meets gravity. As the eldest sister, she was the first to make the U.S. ski team in her teens, signaling early on that her winter sports journey was special. Sam’s skill in ski jumping — one of the Olympics’ most thrilling yet technically demanding disciplines — has made her a leading candidate to qualify for her first Olympic team.
Her path hasn’t been without pressure. In recent international competitions, Sam has faced challenges as she aimed to secure a qualifying spot, but she has done so with determination and sisterly support that keeps her grounded.
Alli Macuga: Moguls Momentum and Rising Star
Alli, the youngest of the trio, made her mark as a rising talent in moguls. In 2023, she was named FIS Rookie of the Year, a recognition that underscored her potential in a highly competitive discipline. Alli’s dynamic style — combining technical turns with powerful aerial moves — has placed her in contention for Olympic qualification.
She continues to impress on the mogul course, blending speed and finesse in a sport where milliseconds and body control define success. Her progress has made Allie a key part of the Macuga Olympic narrative.
Family Bonds Strengthen Olympic Aspirations
If all three sisters qualify for Team USA, they will join a select group of siblings who have competed in the same Winter Olympics — but with a unique twist: unlike past sets of siblings who competed in the same sport, the Macuga sisters could make history by appearing in three different disciplines.
The Macuga family’s dynamic is rooted in competitiveness and support, a duality that has made the sisters formidable athletes and close allies. Their father, Dan Macuga, remembers childhood moments of backyard sledding races and board game rivalries that foreshadowed the fierce — yet supportive — spirit they would bring to elite sport.
Their mother, Amy, has played an organizational role too, keeping track of races, travel and schedules with meticulous planning — an essential behind-the-scenes element for a family pursuing goals across continents and disciplines.
Olympic Qualification and Anticipation
The Olympic qualification period for skiing, moguls and ski jumping runs through mid-January, and each sister has carved out a strong case for inclusion on the U.S. team. While Lauren’s injury complicates her competitive prospects, Sam and Alli remain in strong positions thanks to robust World Cup performances and consistent results.
Should all three sisters earn spots on the U.S. roster, they will not only achieve a family milestone but also provide a feel-good narrative for American audiences as the Winter Games commence Feb. 6, 2026, in Milan and Cortina, Italy.
What It Means for Team USA and Olympic History
American winter sports fans are eager for standout performances at the Milan-Cortina Games, and the Macuga sisters’ story adds heart to anticipation for the games. Their journey reflects broader themes of family, perseverance and national pride, qualities that resonate far beyond podium predictions.
Even if only two of the sisters ultimately qualify, their collective rise — in three distinct skiing disciplines — underscores the depth and diversity of U.S. winter sports talent. From ski jumping to downhill speed to moguls mogul, the Macugas embody the Olympic spirit in its purest form.
