Here in Vermont, we love producing ‘lympians, especially WINTER ‘lympians. In fact, athletes with Vermont ties accounted for one-fifth of total US medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics. And, not surprising, the lone Vermonter competing at the 2026 Paralympics was doing so on skis.
Vermont’s Champions: Bringing the World Stage Home
Not only are Vermonters showing up in big ways as they compete on the world stage, but they’re also coming home to Vermont, and introducing kids to sports, whether or not they are destined to become future Olympians. Ryan Cochran-Siegle spent multiple days in Burlington and in Richmond, at Cochran’s Ski Area, obviously, letting his youngest fans look at his newest medal and Ben Ogden partnered with sponsors Bivo and UnTapped All Natural Athletic Fuel to meet fans at Ben’s Boulevard at the Expo for the FIS Cross Country World Cup Finals in Lake Placid, NY. Ben even participated in a promotion where kids could enter to ask him and fellow Richmond Olympian, Julia Kern questions as part of a live interview after competing in the 10K Interval Start Classic (where he came in 11th!). And, because Cochran’s needs to be in the mix, Ben also competed at the Cochran’s Nordic Cross (part downhill, part cross-country skiing, and part obstacle course), an event that is open to kids and Olympians, alike.
Proof of Ben Ogden Spotting at Nordic Cross
Planting the Seeds of Inspiration Early
My kids are still a bit young to fully understand the magnitude of just how accomplished people like Ben, Julia, Jessie Diggins (the most decorated American woman cross-country skier, who trained at the Stratton Mountain School in, you guessed it, Vermont, who was also competing at the FIS Cross Country World Cup Finals in Lake Placid and then retiring from the sport), and Ryan are. But that’s not stopping us from trying to introduce our kids to sports and these athletes.
Proof of Jessie Diggins Spotting at FIS Cross Country World Cup Finals
2026: A Year of Olympic and Paralympic Discovery
In 2026, we found multiple ways to expose our oldest. My husband took him to the early morning watch party at Cochran’s for the men’s downhill skiing and I took him to Lake Placid to see Jessie come in fifth in the 10K Interval Start Classic at the FIS Cross Country World Cup and then, to get some (non-Vermont) Paralympian exposure, we took all of our kids to Powered by Possibility, where they got to hear Noelle Lambert, Paralympian sprinter and long jumper, speak and run with her. While most pronounced with Noelle, because we got to hear her speak and tell her story, some of the things that all of these athletes have in common are hard work, perseverance, belief in themselves, commitment, and a little bit of Vermont (whether through birth, training, or visiting). I hope that my kids, whether they realize it or not, are picking up on this and that, whatever they choose to do, in the future they persevere, believe in themselves, commit, and try hard.
Noelle Lambert at Powered by Possibility with a Youth Attendee
We round out our season of ‘lympians by heading to Nordic Cross. While nap time interfered with seeing Ben win in the finals (after sticking a backflip), we did get to see him compete in the qualifying rounds along with RunVermont Hall of Famer (and three time Vermont City Marathon winner) Kasie Enman dressed as a turtle and got to spend a beautiful afternoon at Cochran’s, a place that feels fit for dreaming.
RunVermont Tip: How to Make Sports "Stick"
The secret to introducing kids to sports successfully is making the experience accessible and personal. When local legends like Ryan Cochran-Siegle or Ben Ogden interact with fans, it bridges the gap between a "superstar" and a "neighbor." You can replicate this by attending local events where kids can see the effort and joy behind the sport. For those interested in running, programs like Mini Milers or the M&T Bank Mini Marathon provide a supportive environment where the focus is on personal commitment and trying one’s best.