CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy - American skier Jacqueline Wiles has found a special connection with the 2026 Olympics course in Cortina. Throughout her career, Wiles has consistently excelled on this Italian resort's slopes, showcasing her talents and resilience. Her journey has been marked by significant injuries, but Wiles continues to push herself and deliver outstanding performances on the slopes.
Ten years ago, Wiles made her mark on the World Cup circuit with a 15th place finish in a downhill race in Cortina. Eight years later, in 2018, she achieved her first podium result by securing third place in a race won by her mentor and close friend, Lindsey Vonn. Last Saturday, Wiles reached another career milestone with a second-place finish in a windy downhill race, marking her best result to date since the 2018 Cortina event.
Expressing her love for Cortina, Wiles stated, 'It's my absolute favorite track. It just has a special place in my heart.' Her connection with this course is not merely sentimental but also stems from its challenging nature and varied terrain. As preparations for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics begin, Wiles looks forward to competing on the Olympia delle Tofane, an amazing and traditional downhill track.
However, Wiles' journey to success has not been a smooth one. Following her podium finish in Cortina in 2018, she experienced a devastating crash in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, resulting in severe injuries to her left leg. Over the next two years, Wiles underwent multiple surgeries and faced numerous setbacks, including torn ligaments, leg fractures, and nerve damage. It has been a long, arduous road to recovery, but Wiles' determination and love for skiing propelled her forward.
Despite contemplating retirement at times, Wiles never gave up. She found support and inspiration from Lindsey Vonn, who provided financial assistance during the early stages of her career. Wiles remains in touch with Vonn and received a congratulatory message from her after finishing 13th in another downhill race on Friday. The bond between these two exceptional skiers serves as a testament to their friendship and shared experiences.
Now 31 years old and hailing from Portland, Oregon, Wiles has also pursued interests beyond skiing. During her time away from racing, she obtained a private pilot's license, thanks to sponsorship from Textron Aviation. Wiles expressed her gratitude, saying, 'I'm super grateful that one of my sponsors is Textron Aviation. They've allowed me to get my private pilot's license, and I just finished before the season started.' Flying has become a passion of hers, and she looks forward to taking to the skies again when the season concludes.
Wiles is not the only American downhiller showcasing resilience and determination. Bella Wright experienced a crash during a race in Cortina, which required her to be airlifted off the course. Despite suffering bruises and a chin laceration, Wright remained optimistic about her recovery and future goals. With eyes set on the 2026 Olympics, she aspires to secure a gold medal and believes that the Cortina course provides the perfect setting for her ambitions.
As the ski racing community reflects on the achievements of Wiles, Wright, and others, an era is also coming to an end. U.S. Alpine director Patrick Riml has announced that he will step down from his role after this weekend's races. Riml, who has been integral to the team's success over the years, will transition into an advisory position, embarking on a new chapter in his career.
As the countdown to the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics begins, athletes like Jacqueline Wiles and Bella Wright continue to inspire with their unwavering determination. Cortina's picturesque slopes and challenging course have become a second home to Wiles, where she has experienced both triumph and incredible obstacles. With the support of her mentor and friends, she perseveres, proving that the human spirit can conquer even the toughest challenges.
