MILANO CORTINA 2026 — Lindsey Jacobellis, the most decorated female snowboard cross athlete in history, is taking on a new role at the 2026 Winter Olympics. While the two-time Olympic gold medalist has not officially retired from competition, she has traded her board for a headset, joining the NBC broadcast booth to provide expert analysis for the Milano Cortina Games.
The 40-year-old veteran, who famously secured two gold medals at the Beijing 2022 Games, remains a central figure in the sport. Despite her transition to broadcasting this February, Jacobellis continues to hold an “active” status with FIS, leaving the door open for future competitive appearances. Her presence in the booth offers viewers unparalleled insight into a sport she dominated for over two decades.
A Legacy of Redemption and Resilience
Jacobellis’ Olympic journey is one of the most storied in American sports history. After winning a silver medal in the Olympic debut of snowboard cross at the 2006 Torino Games—a race remembered for a late-run fall that cost her the gold—she spent 16 years chasing the top of the podium. That quest culminated in 2022 when she secured individual gold and a second gold in the mixed team event alongside Nick Baumgartner.
Her career statistics remain unmatched in the snowboarding world:
- Olympic Medals: 2 Gold (2022), 1 Silver (2006)
- World Championships: 6-time World Champion
- X Games: 10-time Gold Medalist
- World Cup: 31 career titles and over 60 podium finishes
New Horizons: Motherhood and Media
The shift to the broadcast booth follows a significant year for Jacobellis, who recently became a mother. While she is focusing on her role as an analyst for the 2026 Games, she has been vocal about her desire to stay involved in the progression of the sport. In recent interviews, she has highlighted several “ones to watch” in the snowboard cross and halfpipe events, specifically pointing to the depth of the current U.S. roster.
“Don’t count me out,” Jacobellis noted regarding her competitive future, even as she settles into her role with NBC. Her book, Unforgiving: Lessons from the Fall, continues to serve as a blueprint for athletes navigating the mental pressures of high-stakes competition and public disappointment.
Impact on Milano Cortina 2026
As the 2026 Winter Olympics continue this Thursday, February 12, Jacobellis’ analysis has already become a highlight of the snowboarding coverage. Her ability to break down the technical nuances of the course at Livigno and the tactical maneuvers of the riders provides a bridge between the “old guard” of snowboarding and the rising stars currently vying for the podium.
While the U.S. team looks to replicate the success Jacobellis brought to the program for five consecutive Olympics, her voice from the booth ensures that her influence on the sport remains as strong as ever.