Four SVSEF Athletes to Represent Team USA at 2026 Winter Olympic Games
Sarchett, Smith, Hagenbuch make Olympic debut, Josey earns hat trick to third Olympic Games
The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) is proud to announce that four of its athletes—Ryder Sarchett (Alpine), Sammy Smith (Cross Country), John Steel Hagenbuch (Cross Country), and Chase Josey (Snowboard Halfpipe)—have been officially selected for the 2026 U.S. Olympic Team.
Selection to the U.S. Olympic Team represents the highest level of achievement in winter sport, and these athletes’ nominations reflect years of dedication, growth both on and off the snow, perseverance, and excellence on the national and international stage. The 2026 Winter Olympic Games will be held in Milan-Cortina, Italy, bringing together the world’s top winter sport athletes.
“I am incredibly proud of our athletes and what they’ve accomplished,” said Scott McGrew, Executive Director of SVSEF. “To see four Olympians emerge from our small mountain community is really extraordinary, and it speaks not only to their individual dedication and talent, but to the deep Olympic heritage that has shaped Sun Valley for generations. Our Wood River Valley home carries such a rich history of excellence, opportunity, and belief in what young athletes can become; that legacy continues with this amazing group of humans.”
These four athletes selected to represent Team USA came up through three different SVSEF programs and snowsport disciplines: Alpine, Cross Country, and Snowboarding.
“To see this level of achievement across three different programs and disciplines is no accident,” said McGrew. “It reflects years of intentional work and collaborations by our coaches, staff, families, and partners to create the right opportunities, at the right moments, with the right people, and in the right measure as athletes grow and develop within our programs here at SVSEF. We are deeply committed to supporting athletes over the long arc of their journey, not rushing outcomes, while building strong foundations that allow extraordinary potential to be realized. It’s so rewarding to see this come together for our athletes and our community.”
Each athlete brings a unique competitive background shaped by their development at SVSEF.
Ryder Sarchett
Ryder Sarchett, an SVSEF alpine program alum, was named to the U.S. Olympic Team for the 2026 Winter Games following a series of consistent results in international competition including a top 10 finish at the World Cup in Val d’Isere. Sarchett developed through SVSEF’s Alpine program before advancing to national, collegiate, and World Cup-level racing. He is making his Olympic debut.
“The path I’ve taken to become an Olympian is built on hard work and belief in my own abilities, choosing to go after my dream even through the hard times when it felt almost impossible,” said Ryder Sarchett. “My love for skiing and sports in general played a huge role in my success as a skier. I truly loved skiing, and I held onto that. My parents were always very calm and never pushed me into ski racing; they made me feel like I was choosing to be there. I’d like to give thanks to everyone who helped me along the way. I’m really grateful to be here and there are so many people that helped me get here.”
Sammy Smith
Sammy Smith’s path to the Olympic Games has been defined by determination and steady progression. A longtime SVSEF athlete from development through the SVSEF XC Gold Team, Smith has built a reputation as a fierce competitor with a deep love for the sport, earning national and international success that culminated in Olympic selection.
“The Olympics have been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember, there is nothing more special than getting to represent your country, and I couldn’t be more excited to represent Team USA at the Olympic level,” said Sammy Smith. “I can’t wait to immerse myself in the experience, cheer on my fellow teammates, and hopefully have an opportunity to do some great racing of my own.”
John Steel Hagenbuch
John Steel Hagenbuch developed his talent through SVSEF’s Cross Country program and then on to NCAA racing for Dartmouth College, as a member of the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team, and also the SVSEF XC Gold Team. Known for his confidence, Hagenbuch brings both experience and momentum into his Olympic debut.
“The path to becoming an Olympian has been a steady progression with years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication,” said John Steel Hagenbuch. “There are always ups and downs, strikes and gutters, and I’m incredibly honored to represent Team USA at the highest level. I’m looking forward to representing the USA, Dartmouth, SVSEF, my family, and my friends at the highest level. Race starts aren’t decided yet, but I’m hopeful to have the opportunity to give it my all!”
Chase Josey
Chase Josey, an SVSEF alum and Sun Valley native, was named to the U.S. Olympic Team for the 2026 Winter Games, marking the third Olympic selection in his career.
“Being named to the Olympic team this year is probably even more meaningful than the first two because the challenges getting here were greater,” said Chase Josey. “Through all the anticipation and a lot of what-ifs, I’m embracing the overall experience and am proud of the path I’ve taken as a strong ambassador for the sport and for my team. I hope I can be an inspiration and a role model for the next generations in snowboarding.”
More details about each athlete, including event schedules and competition dates, will be shared as they become available.
PHOTOS: @usskiteam @ussnowboardteam
About Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation
Since its inception in 1966, the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation has been a longstanding pillar in the community, providing snowsport programs and offering academic assistance to support student-athletes in reaching their highest potential. SVSEF offers an array of programs for athletes ages five and up, from learn-to-ski and ride through FIS and other national and international-level competition. The organization distributes more than $500,000 annually in financial assistance to families, so that anyone who wishes to may participate. For more information, please visit svsef.org.
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Media Contact:
Heather Foster
Director of Strategic Communications & Development
[email protected]
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