Sammy Smith Olympic cross country athlete and Stanford sophomore, has secured a place on the U.S. Olympic Cross Country Ski Team for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, marking a historic achievement just weeks after playing in the College Cup final with Stanford’s women’s soccer team. Her swift transition between two demanding sports highlights both her versatility and the important role Stanford plays in developing athletes prepared for the international stage.
Smith’s Path from College Soccer to Olympic Ski Team
After contributing to the Stanford Cardinal in the high-profile College Cup, Smith shifted her focus to cross country skiing. Her outstanding results at the U.S. Cross Country Championships, where she clinched both the skate sprint and classic sprint titles, were key to earning her Olympic berth. Smith then advanced to achieve a personal milestone at the 2026 FIS Cross Country Skiing World Cup in Oberhof, Germany, finishing 12th—a career best that solidified her standing among elite U.S. ski athletes.
A Historic Dual-Sport Achievement
Smith’s selection not only celebrates her individual accomplishments but also represents an unprecedented moment for Stanford athletics. She is regarded as the university’s first American varsity athlete to compete in a Winter Olympics while actively involved in another collegiate sport. With Smith among four Stanford athletes heading to the 2026 Games, the school’s impact on the winter sports landscape is evident.
Looking Ahead to Milano Cortina 2026
The Milano Cortina Games are set to begin February 6, with cross country skiing and other events scheduled across 25 unique venues in Italy. As Smith continues her Olympic preparations, her dual-sport background will be under close attention, offering insights into how competing at a high level in multiple disciplines may benefit her Olympic endeavors.
The Broader Impact of Smith’s Story
Smith’s Olympic qualification demonstrates what can be accomplished with hard work and adaptability, providing encouragement to fellow student-athletes who aim to excel in more than one sport. As the 2026 Winter Olympics draw near, the athletic community will be watching to see how Smith—and athletes like her—expand expectations of what’s possible in both college and Olympic sports.
