Get ready to cheer for Team Ireland as they embark on their journey to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
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The anticipation is building for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, which will kick off on February 6th. This prestigious event will showcase athletes from around the globe as they compete in various winter sports. Representing Ireland will be a compact but talented team of four athletes, each bringing their unique skills and experiences to the Games.
Meet the athletes of Team Ireland
Our representatives include three fresh faces making their Olympic debut, alongside a seasoned veteran who is set to make history by competing in his third Winter Olympics. The team is a blend of emerging talent and established prowess, ready to demonstrate their abilities across different events in northern Italy.
Anabelle Zurbay: A rising star in Alpine skiing
At just 17 years old, Anabelle Zurbay is the youngest competitor from Ireland to ever participate in Olympic Alpine skiing. Residing in Colorado, she specializes in technical events like the Slalom and Giant Slalom, with a particular fondness for the latter.
Anabelle’s familial roots trace back to Rosemount, near Moate, through her maternal grandmother. She will be competing in the Cortina cluster during the Games.
Ben Lynch: Freestyle skiing with a flair
Next, we have Ben Lynch, who will showcase his skills in the Freestyle Skiing Halfpipe. Originally from Dublin, Ben relocated to Vancouver at a young age and fell in love with skiing, particularly the freedom and artistic expression that comes with freestyle events. Though his family has a strong background in rowing, Ben has charted his own path as a first-time Olympian, with Livigno serving as his base during the competition.
Cormac Comerford: The Alpine competitor
Another key member of Team Ireland is Cormac Comerford, who also excels in Alpine skiing. His passion for skiing ignited at Kilternan’s dry slopes, and he has since progressed to compete internationally. Cormac, who is also a Mechanical Engineer in the off-season, will participate in multiple disciplines including the Super-G, Giant Slalom, and Slalom. He is eager to leave his mark at the Games, competing in the Bormio cluster.
Thomas Maloney Westgård: A seasoned veteran
Lastly, we have Thomas Maloney Westgård, who brings invaluable experience to the team as he participates in his third Olympic Games. This cross-country skier, born on the small Norwegian island of Leka, boasts a diverse background with a Galway mother and Norwegian father. His favorite event is the 50km race, and he currently competes for Team Aker Dæhlie. Thomas will be racing in the Predazzo cluster, making him the second man ever to participate in three Winter Olympics for Ireland.
Funding and support for Team Ireland
To aid in their preparation, Team Ireland has benefitted from a significant financial commitment of €200,000 from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, managed by Sport Ireland. This funding, confirmed in 2026, is part of a broader Winter Strategy aimed at strengthening the support for Irish winter athletes. Minister Patrick O’Donovan expressed his best wishes for the team, highlighting their role as an inspiration for the nation.
John Foley, Chairperson of Sport Ireland, remarked on the targeted funding’s impact, enabling National Federations to enhance their Olympic-focused projects. This support has been crucial in assisting athletes with qualification costs and enhancing training opportunities. Additionally, the partnership with the Sport Ireland Institute ensures athletes receive world-class medical and performance services, essential for optimal preparation.
Schedule of events for Team Ireland
As the Games approach, fans can look forward to a thrilling competition schedule:
- February 6: Opening Ceremony in Milano
- February 7: Cormac Comerford – Downhill (Alpine Skiing), Bormio
- February 8: Thomas Maloney Westgård – 10km + 10km Skiathlon (Cross Country), Predazzo
- February 11: Cormac Comerford – Super-G (Alpine Skiing), Bormio
- February 13: Thomas Maloney Westgård – 10km Free (Cross Country), Predazzo
- February 14: Cormac Comerford – Giant Slalom Run 1 & 2 (Alpine Skiing), Bormio
- February 15: Anabelle Zurbay – Giant Slalom Run 1 & 2 (Alpine Skiing), Cortina
- February 16: Cormac Comerford – Slalom Run 1 & 2 (Alpine Skiing), Bormio
- February 18: Anabelle Zurbay – Slalom Run 1 & 2 (Alpine Skiing), Cortina
- February 19: Ben Lynch – Halfpipe Qualification (Freestyle Skiing), Livigno
- February 20: Ben Lynch – Halfpipe Final (Freestyle Skiing), Livigno
- February 21: Thomas Maloney Westgård – 50km Classic (Cross Country), Predazzo
- February 22: Closing Ceremony in Verona
As the athletes gear up for this monumental event, their journey to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics promises to be both challenging and exhilarating. Fans worldwide will be cheering for Team Ireland as they strive for excellence on the Olympic stage.
