Israel Sends 10 Athletes to 2026 Winter Olympics

When the 2026 Winter Olympics open in Milano Cortina this week, Israel will once again prove that heart and determination transcend climate. With nine Olympians and one Paralympian, the delegation carries the flag of a nation more known for sun and sand than snow and ice but no less committed to making its mark.

Leading the charge on the slopes are siblings Barnabas and Noa Szollos, returning for their second Olympic appearance. Barnabas, Israel’s most accomplished winter athlete to date, competes across multiple alpine disciplines. Noa has already made history by becoming the first Israeli to earn World Cup points in alpine skiing—a milestone that speaks to how far the nation has come in just a few short years.

On the ice, figure skater Mariia Seniuk brings grace and grit. A four-time Israeli national champion, Seniuk will not only compete in one of the Games' most watched events, but will also carry the Israeli flag during the opening ceremony—a symbol of individual excellence and national pride.

Making history in the bobsleigh is AJ Edelman and his team, including Menachem Chen, Omer Katz, and Uri Zisman. Their qualification is the culmination of nearly a decade of tireless effort, marking the first time Israel will compete in this fast and fearsome sport.

Skeleton racer Jared Firestone embodies persistence. After narrowly missing qualification in 2022, he returns with fierce determination and the hard-earned right to represent Israel in one of the Winter Olympics’ most dangerous events.

Another trailblazer, Attila Mihaly Kertesz, will become Israel’s first-ever Olympic cross-country skier. His unconventional path to elite sport is a testament to how dreams can be pursued no matter where they begin.

Paralympian Sheina Vaspi rounds out the team, continuing her historic journey as Israel’s first Winter Paralympian. Her presence is not only inspiring it’s groundbreaking.

While Israel doesn’t enter the Games with medal expectations, the value of participation goes far beyond the podium. Every athlete in this delegation represents the grit, talent, and unshakable pride that define the Israeli spirit. Their presence is proof that Israel belongs on the world’s stage every stage.

From Tel Aviv to Cortina, from desert heat to alpine peaks, these athletes carry more than just gear. They carry the hopes of a nation that never stops striving, competing, and showing the world what’s possible.

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