Key Highlights
- Tate Frantz ranks 21st in ski jumping at his first Winter Olympics.
- Mystique Ro defends her world championship titles in skeleton.
- Sean Hollander and Zachary DiGregorio finish eighth in luge men’s doubles.
- Sophia Kirkby competes in luge women’s doubles and relay, winning seven World Cup medals.
The Adirondacks’ Winter Sports Legacy
You might think this is new, but the Adirondack region has been a cornerstone of winter sports for decades. Lake Placid hosts not just any training ground; it’s where champions are born and legends continue to thrive.
Tate Frantz: A New Generation in Ski Jumping
Tate Frantz, 20, grew up in the shadow of the Olympic Training Facility in Lake Placid. This is his first time representing Team USA in ski jumping, and he ranked a respectable 21st out of 50 athletes in the men’s ski jumping normal hill individual event.
His performance was not always smooth; Tate faced some tough competition from seasoned veterans. But for a rookie, this ranking is a promising start. The next four years will be crucial as he prepares for Beijing 2026 and beyond.
Mystique Ro: Defending Her Skeleton Titles
Mystique Ro, the defending world champion in both mixed team relay and individual skeleton, lives up to her title with a silver medal in the individual event. She celebrated a run at Mount Van Hoevenberg while keeping her eyes on gold.
The path to her success was not an easy one. Mystique first saw skeleton during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Her coach’s advice turned her initial skepticism into passion, and now she’s back for more.
Sean Hollander: Luge Pairs Team USA
From New Hampshire to Lake Placid, Sean Hollander is part of a pair that finished eighth in the luge men’s doubles. His journey includes a gold medal at the 2022-23 Oberhof World Championships and multiple World Cup medals.
Team USA’s mixed ski jumping ranked seventh; not a bad showing for an athlete who began his career out of the blue after winning a reality competition. Josh Williamson, now in his second Olympic games, is another story worth telling.
Sophia Kirkby: Dominating on Ice
Originally from Vermont but training in Lake Placid, Sophia Kirkby made waves by finishing fifth in both luge women’s doubles and the team relay. Her seven World Cup medals speak volumes about her prowess on ice.
In 2024, she was a bronze medalist at the World Championships and a silver medalist in relays, showcasing the depth of talent that calls the Adirondacks home.
Frank Del Duca: A Flag Bearer for Team USA
Frank Del Duca, born in Florida but now based in Saranac Lake, is an Olympic flag bearer. His journey to bobsledding was unconventional—afforded through the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program.
His second Olympic games saw him carry the American flag at the opening ceremony and compete as part of a team that finished eighth in two-woman bobsled. A father of two, Frank’s story is one of dedication and resilience.
Jasmine Jones: Serving Country While Competing
Coming from Pennsylvania, Jasmine Jones competes while serving her country as a Senior Air Force Officer. This mom and bobsledder finished fifth in the 2025 World Championships and is making waves in her second Olympic games.
Joshua Williamson: Reality TV to Olympian
Born in Florida, Josh Williamson never played ice sports growing up but found his passion on reality TV. His performance in bobsled at the 2025 World Championships was notable, finishing fourth and representing Team USA.
The Adirondacks continue to be a powerhouse of winter sports talent. These athletes embody perseverance, dedication, and the spirit of competition that defines Olympic sports. Each one’s story is unique but united by their shared passion for excellence on ice and snow.
