More than 300 community members gathered Friday evening to celebrate the Wood River Valley athletes and coaches who represented Team USA at the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games during the Hometown Olympians & Paralympians Celebration.

Hosted by the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation in partnership with the cities of Ketchum and Sun Valley and Sun Valley Resort, the celebration honored not only the extraordinary achievements of local Olympians, Paralympians, and Team USA coaches, but also the community that helped shape their journeys.

Families, friends, teammates, and supporters gathered at Champions Meadow to hear from seven-time Paralympic medalist Muffy Davis before joining athletes and coaches for a celebratory walk to Ketchum Town Square, where community leaders recognized the honorees before a welcoming crowd. The evening concluded with an autograph session, live music, and opportunities for the community to connect with the athletes who proudly represented the Wood River Valley on the world’s biggest stage.

Reflecting on the event, Muffy Davis emphasized the celebration of community. “Champions are never built alone—they’re built by families, coaches, nonprofits, sponsors, local governments, volunteers, and neighbors who believe in them every step of the way. That spirit of support is part of who we are in the Wood River Valley. It’s our history, and after Friday, I’m confident it will remain a defining part of our future.”

The celebration recognized Olympians Chase Josey (snowboard halfpipe), Ryder Sarchett (alpine skiing), and John Steel Hagenbuch (cross-country skiing); Paralympians Jake Adicoff (para cross-country skiing), Jesse Keefe and Laurie Stephens (para alpine skiing); and Team USA coaches and staff Andy Gilbert, Austin Savaria, Peter Holmes, and Sam Wood. Unable to attend but also recognized were Olympians Sammy Smith (cross country skiing) and Hilary Knight (ice hockey); Paralympian Peter Wolter (guide to Jake Adicoff); and Team USA coaches and staff Graham Watanabe (Para Snowboard) and Chris Grover (Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team Program Director.)

Addressing the athletes and coaches, City of Sun Valley Mayor Peter Hendricks reflected on the lasting impact they will continue to have on future generations. “You remind our young people that success is measured not only by medals, not only by podiums, but by character, sportsmanship, and the willingness to keep striving when the path becomes difficult. You remind us that excellence inspires excellence and that one generation of champions lights the way for the next. So today we thank you not only for your remarkable accomplishments, but also your continued efforts to encourage, mentor, and inspire those who will follow in your tracks. Your legacy is not just measured in victories, but in the dreams you ignite in others.”

The celebration also underscored the deep connection between elite sport and youth development in the Wood River Valley. Many of the Olympians, Paralympians, and coaches first learned to ski or snowboard through local programs before advancing to the highest levels of international competition—an enduring reminder to today’s young athletes that world-class dreams can begin close to home.

“I just love that we can honor these achievements, while not forgetting that these athletes were also those gritty little kids on Baldy or Lake Creek with ketchup on their jackets, lost passes, missing ski boots, bad hair days, and infinite struggles along the way,” said Scott McGrew, SVSEF Executive Director. “We get to remember the sheer humanity in the journey, and that is what makes us strong. Indeed I believe our strength lies in our humility. To do the thing, to laugh at ourselves when warranted, to buckle down when needed, and to never forget the childlike joy that keeps us showing up. That is the magic and the secret ingredient.”

Following the event, coaches and families reflected on what the celebration meant to them.

“The Olympic Celebration was a powerful reminder of what makes this community so special,” said Austin Savaria, Team USA men’s speed coach for the Stifel U.S. Ski Team and an SVSEF Alpine alumnus. “It gave everyone a chance to show just how much they support and believe in these athletes, while inspiring the next generation to see that Olympic dreams can begin right here in the Wood River Valley. As an SVSEF alum, I’m especially grateful for the role the organization plays in making those dreams possible. No one standing on that stage would be there without the opportunities and foundation SVSEF provides. They don’t just develop world-class athletes—they help shape outstanding people. Seeing so many people come together to celebrate was something I’ll never forget.”

For families, the evening was a testament to years of unwavering community support that extended well beyond Olympic and Paralympic competition.

• “For more than 12 years and through three Winter Olympic Games, our family has felt this community’s unwavering support behind Chase,” said Kris Josey, Chase Josey’s mother. “We are incredibly lucky to call a place home that always stands up and shows up for its own. Friday night’s celebration was another powerful example of that support. Thank you to SVSEF and the cities of Ketchum and Sun Valley for bringing everyone together to celebrate these athletes and coaches.”
• “Our community is truly special when it comes to supporting the athletes of this valley,” said Adele and Pat Savaria, parents of Team USA men’s speed coach and SVSEF Alpine alum Austin Savaria. “Whether it’s investing in their dreams, volunteering, or cheering them on, people here always show up. The celebration of our Olympians was another wonderful example of that support, and it was inspiring to see the community come together to recognize these incredible athletes.”
• “It was wonderful to see our community come together to celebrate and support our Olympians and Paralympians,” said Sue Conner, Jake Adicoff’s mother. “The organizers created such a fun and inspiring event, and it was especially meaningful to celebrate alongside the athletes and have the opportunity to interact with them.”

Ketchum Mayor Pete Prekeges and Sun Valley Mayor Peter Hendricks concluded the ceremony by presenting each Olympian, Paralympian, and Team USA coach with ceremonial keys to the cities of Ketchum and Sun Valley, recognizing not only their achievements on the world stage, but also the pride and inspiration they continue to bring to the Wood River Valley.

This celebration was a reminder that Olympic and Paralympic journeys are never individual accomplishments. “Indeed, it takes a village—parents, siblings, coaches, resort partners, groomers, teammates, technicians, friends, confidantes, donors, storytellers, administrators, town mayors, and fans of all ages and backgrounds—to create the Olympic dream,” said McGrew. “It is not a solo act. We are that village. And I am so proud of what we have built here in Sun Valley.” 

For the next generation inspired by Friday night’s celebration, the journey starts here. Registration for all 2026-27 SVSEF programs is now open at svsef.org, with financial aid applications accepted through December 2026 to help ensure every child has the opportunity to participate.