Experience Over Youth: The Legends of Milano Cortina 2026

Above: Benjamin Karl representing Austria at the LG Snowboard FIS World Cup 2009. Photo by LG전자 from Flickr ( CC BY-2.0)

We often celebrate prodigies but often ignore how tough it is for those who start late in the game. Milano Cortina 2026's motto is "IT's your Vibe", which emphasises inclusivity and a vibrant, shared energy that connects fans, athletes and organisers. While experienced athletes might not have the agility of young athletes, their experience, perseverance, and strength are what make the Olympics a true grand event.

Like how we celebrated the young stars of Milano Cortina 2026, we also have a "golden generation" of veterans ready to prove their mettle at an age nobody imagined. Some of these athletes are competing in their fifth or even seventh Olympics, proving that age is just a number for someone who believes in themselves. It shows how cognitive fortitude and tactical wisdom are as valuable as raw speed and agility. Check out these athletes.

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Rich Ruohonen (54) – USA, Curling

The trial lawyer from St. Paul, Minnesota, and father of two, Rich Ruohonen, is our oldest athlete on the list and the oldest American ever to compete in the Winter Olympics. The 54-year-old athlete has represented the United States at various championships, but it would be his Olympic debut at Milano Cortina 2026. Before qualifying for these games, he lost six finals. Ruohonen may look old, but his tactical mind is a vital asset for Team USA in the high-stakes environment of Cortina.

Edson Bindilatti (46) – Brazil, Bobsleigh

The Brazilian Bobsledder Edson Bindilatti is defying the ageing process to conquer one of the most physically demanding ice sports at 46. It is his sixth Winter Olympics appearance as the leader of the Brazilian bobsleigh team. Bindilatti's X-factor is not only his experience but also his strength and precision, which have helped Brazil compete against much younger European teams. He shows that if you are dedicated enough, you can "move mountains" at any age.

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Roland Fischnaller (45) – Italy, Snowboarding

If you are an Italian fan, Roland Fischnaller is your legend on this list. The 45-year old Snowboarder is making his seventh Olympic appearance. Fischnaller qualified fastest in the parallel giant slalom on February 8, proving that age is not a barrier for him. Although he lost in the quarterfinals due to a small error, he is the epitome of longevity. While he may not have received the farewell he expected, it is time for him to say goodbye to his professional career after two decades of elite experience, he confirmed.

Joël Retornaz (42) – Italy, Curling

Joël Retornaz is the strategic heart of Italian curling. Since his debut at Torino 2006, he has transformed Italy into a global curling powerhouse. Now ranked near the top of the world standings, Retornaz is leading his team through the round-robin stages with the poise of a seasoned master. His ability to read the ice at the Cortina Olympic Stadium is giving the host nation a distinct advantage, proving that curling rewards the wisdom that comes only with 20 years of experience.

Benjamin Karl (40) – Austria, Snowboarding

Benjamin Karl is another European legend who created history by winning the gold in the parallel giant slalom. The 40-year-old Austrian successfully defended his Beijing 2022 title and became the oldest Snowboarder to win gold at the Olympics. With four Olympic medals in Snowboarding, his consistency and zeal to win are unmatched. After winning in Milano Cortina, he submerged himself in the snow, calling the win "the crown of my career."

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Jorrit Bergsma (40) – Netherlands, Speed Skating

The Dutch are dominating speed skating as if it were a cakewalk. So far, the Netherlands has won 133 medals at the Olympics, including 48 gold, 44 silver, and 41 bronze. Jorrit Bergsma is one such legendary player who won three Olympic medals for the Dutch, including gold in the 10,000m and bronze in the 5,000m at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Subsequently, he won another silver medal in the 10,000 m at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics. Now, he would be the oldest long-track skater to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics, which is an achievement in itself.

Arianna Fontana (35) – Italy, Short Track

Arianna Fontana is the Italian short-track skater who solidified her status as the greatest Italian Winter Olympian of all time. The 35-year-old helped the home side clinch the sensational gold medal in the mixed team relay, bringing her career total to 12 Olympic medals. Fontana has been the oldest female player in the chaotic arena of short-track skating, and the way she avoids crashes and executes perfect passes shows it all.

What can we learn from these legends?

Milano Cortina 2026 is all about inclusivity, and these legends have shown that all you need is grit and determination to win against all the odds. They have proved that when you combine decades of technical experience with an exceptional mind game, you can outplay the youngest player on the ice in no time.

As the flame continues to burn in Milano and Cortina, their stories of resilience provide the ultimate inspiration for fans of all ages. Whether sweeping stones or carving through ice, these legends remind us that the greatest victories often come to those with the patience to stay in the game.