Gus Kenworthy Selected for Team GB at 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, Marking Fourth Games Appearance

Gus Kenworthy, a 34-year-old freestyle skier based in Telluride, Colorado, has been officially selected to compete for Team Great Britain in halfpipe at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. In an Instagram video shared by Team Great Britain, snowsport head coach Pat Sharples called Kenworthy to deliver the news, stating, “I want you to be the first to congratulate you for being selected to Team GB for the Milan Cortina Winter 2026 Olympics. ” Kenworthy responded with enthusiasm, exclaiming, “AMAZING. ”

This selection represents Kenworthy's fourth Olympic appearance, following prior outings in 2014, 2018, and 2022. Born in the United Kingdom and raised in the United States, he switched to represent Team GB after the 2014 Sochi Games, where he won a silver medal in men's slopestyle. Kenworthy also secured his first victory in British colors with a win at a 2020 World Cup halfpipe event in Calgary.

Kenworthy retired after the 2022 Beijing Olympics but announced his comeback in 2025, citing a renewed passion for competition. In an interview, he explained, "After taking a step away, I realised I miss skiing and I really want to compete again. " He added, "I didn't know if I would be able to come back after three-and-a-half years, but I knew I wouldn't be able to after seven and a half. So, it's this Olympics or nothing. " His recent form includes a third-place finish at The Snow League China event, marking a strong return after four years away. Sharples noted Kenworthy's rapid progress, saying, “You’re the only one who could do it in that timeline. ”

As the first openly gay elite action sports athlete, having come out publicly in 2015, Kenworthy has been a pioneering figure for LGBTQ+ visibility in winter sports. His career highlights include multiple X Games medals in slopestyle and superpipe, as well as World Cup podium finishes. Kenworthy's influence extends beyond athletics into cultural advocacy, where he has championed authenticity in a traditionally masculine sport.

Kenworthy's selection coincides with a broader trend of increased LGBTQ+ representation at the 2026 Games. Teammate Bruce Mouat, an openly gay curler and world number one, will compete in his second Olympics, having noted that coming out enhanced his performance. From Team USA, speed skater Conor McDermott-Mostowy qualified for his first Olympics by winning the U. S. Trials in the men's 1000-meter event. Additionally, openly gay figures Adam Rippon and Chase Cain will host an NBC Olympics podcast, providing queer perspectives on the coverage.

Kenworthy's resilience is underscored by his history of overcoming injuries, including setbacks during prior Olympic cycles. He has described his approach as driven by "fearless creativity and competitive composure, "traits that defined slopestyle's early era. Now competing primarily in halfpipe alongside slopestyle, Kenworthy brings extensive experience to Milan-Cortina. His story reflects a shift toward greater inclusion for LGBTQ+ athletes, who are increasingly seen as central to Olympic narratives. The 2026 Games, set for Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, promise heightened visibility for transgender people and other LGBTQ+ individuals in elite competition.