Anna Gibson and Jadin O’Brien Qualify for Winter Olympics Post-Paris Trials

Two promising athletes, Anna Gibson and Jadin O’Brien, have successfully qualified for the Winter Olympics, set to take place in Milan Cortina. Their participation marks a unique crossover for both competitors, who initially aimed for the 2024 Summer Games in Paris.

Anna Gibson’s Journey to Skimo

Anna Gibson, a 26-year-old from Jackson, Wyoming, will make history as the first American to compete in ski mountaineering at the Winter Olympics. This new Olympic sport sees athletes racing on a course while alternating between skiing and running with skis attached to their backs.

Gibson has an impressive athletic background, as she has previously excelled as a trail runner. She reached the semifinals of the 1,500 meters at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials and has 17 state titles in Wyoming across various athletic disciplines, including Nordic skiing.

Last year, she was introduced to ski mountaineering by veteran athlete Cam Smith at the Broken Arrow Skyrace in Olympic Valley, California. Motivated by the challenge, she embraced the sport, purchasing skimo boots and attending a training camp. She and Smith qualified for the Olympics by winning a relay race in Utah.

Competition Overview

The competition will take place at the Stelvio Ski Center in Bormio, featuring events for both men and women. Medals will be awarded for the women’s and men’s sprints on Thursday, followed by a mixed relay on Saturday.

Jadin O’Brien’s Path to Bobsled

Jadin O’Brien, a 23-year-old from Pewaukee, Wisconsin, shares a similar trajectory. She placed seventh in the heptathlon at the 2024 Olympic Track and Field Trials and was encouraged to pursue bobsledding by six-time Olympic medalist Elana Meyers Taylor.

Having begun her bobsledding career only a year ago, O’Brien quickly demonstrated her potential, competing alongside Meyers Taylor in the two-woman bobsled event. Meyers Taylor is also a favorite, having already secured a gold medal in monobob, making her the oldest individual Winter Olympic champion at 41 years old.

Adversity and Recovery

In January, O’Brien faced a major setback when she was ejected during a training run, resulting in a visit to the hospital. Despite the pain and risks associated with the sport, she has reaffirmed her commitment to bobsledding. Her experience in multi-sport athletics has equipped her with the skills to adapt quickly to new challenges.

The Future Ahead

• Anna Gibson aims to continue her journey in ski mountaineering beyond the Olympics.
• Jadin O’Brien plans to return to heptathlon after the Milan Cortina Games, aspiring for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Both athletes stand as examples of resilience, versatility, and dedication in the face of challenges. Their participation in Milan Cortina solidifies their places in Olympic history, as only 11 Americans have competed in both Summer and Winter Games.

As the Winter Olympics approach, fans eagerly anticipate the performances of Anna Gibson and Jadin O’Brien, two athletes poised to leave their mark on this unique event.