Discover the basics of Olympic cross-country skiing — learn about event types (sprint, distance, team relay, skiathlon), rules, how races are timed and scored, and how skiers win medals at the Winter Games,

The 2026 Games will feature just one new sport in the program: skimo. It follows in the IOC’s tradition of experimentation that has brought us several mainstays, as well as a few oddballs.

McCabe, 24, grew up in the Methow Valley and began skiing at a young age as part of the region’s strong winter sports community.

Cross-country skiing, the rugged grandfather of snow competition, will give its brightest stars a defining stage at the Milan Cortina Winter Games. Sporting greats such as Jessie Diggins of the United States and Italy’s own Federico Pellegrino arrive at the Feb.

The United States has the most athletes competing in the Winter Olympics, but is not favored to win the gold medal race.

Jessie Diggins, age 34, helped break an Olympic medal drought for American cross-country skiers that dated back to the 1970s. In her final season, she enters the Milan Cortina Olympics on a winning streak and with new peace of mind.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport rejected Bolshunov’s last-ditch attempt to be able to compete as an Individual Neutral Athlete.