Current and Former Clarkson Students Brought Green and Gold to Winter Olympics
From the ice arenas of Milan to the sliding track in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Clarkson University’s presence was unmistakable at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
Eleven current and former Golden Knights represented their countries on one of sport’s grandest stages, continuing Clarkson’s proud Olympic tradition and reinforcing the university’s reputation as a winter athletics powerhouse.
Women’s ice hockey once again served as the strongest showcase of Clarkson’s international impact — and this year, it culminated in Olympic gold. Team USA captured the gold medal after defeating Canada in a thrilling championship showdown, reclaiming the top spot in women’s hockey.
Haley Winn Shines
At the heart of that victory was Clarkson alumna Haley Winn. The defender logged significant minutes throughout the tournament, scored her first Olympic goal in preliminary-round play, and brought steady, composed play to the American blue line in high-pressure moments.
Her defensive poise and ability to move the puck cleanly out of danger were key components of the United States’ championship run.
For Winn, the journey from Potsdam to Olympic gold marked a defining milestone in an already impressive hockey career.
On the other side of the rivalry, Clarkson alumnae Renata Fast, Erin Ambrose and Ella Shelton helped power Team Canada to the silver medal.
The trio anchored Canada’s defensive corps throughout the tournament, matching up against the world’s top forwards and contributing in transition.
Fast added offensive production from the back end, recording assists and playing heavy minutes. Ambrose once again showcased her calm, steady presence in crucial matchups, while Shelton provided depth and physical reliability.
Although Canada fell just short in the gold-medal game, the silver medal added another Olympic achievement to an already decorated group of Clarkson graduates.
Clarkson’s reach extended well beyond North America. Manon le Scodan, a freshman playing for the Golden Knights this season, represented France in her Olympic debut, recording an assist and logging meaningful ice time against the sport’s traditional powers.
Czechia’s Andrea Trnkova, a junior, and alumna Michaela Pejzova also competed on the Olympic stage, gaining invaluable experience against elite international competition and helping elevate the global profile of their national programs.
The men’s hockey tournament featured Golden Knights making their mark as well.
Nico Sturm brought NHL experience and veteran leadership to Germany’s lineup, logging key minutes as his team battled through tightly contested matchups.
Fellow German Lukas Kalble delivered a memorable individual performance against Latvia, recording both a goal and an assist in a dramatic game.
Latvia’s Haralds Egle also represented the Green and Gold proudly, competing in a spirited tournament that once again showcased the passion of Olympic hockey.
Beyond the rink, Austin Florian carried Clarkson pride to the skeleton track.
A former Alpine ski racer for the Golden Knights, Florian transitioned to skeleton during his collegiate years — a move that ultimately led him to the Olympic Games. In his Olympic debut, he finished 12th in the men’s individual skeleton event, the top American result in the field.
He also competed in the mixed team skeleton event, where Team USA placed seventh.
When the Olympic flame dimmed in Italy, one truth stood out clearly: Clarkson athletes do not simply reach the world stage — they compete, contribute and bring home medals.
With Olympic gold and silver added to the university’s legacy, the Green and Gold once again proved its impact extends far beyond campus.
Haley Winn’s superfan brothers go viral in Italy
While Haley Winn was anchoring Team USA’s blue line on the way to Olympic gold, her three older brothers were becoming fan favorites in the stands.
Dressed head-to-toe in red, white and blue, from matching bucket hats to bold patriotic outfits, the Winn brothers became viral sensations during NBC’s broadcasts of the women’s hockey tournament.
Cameras frequently cut to their animated celebrations, rallying chants and emotional reactions as Team USA advanced through the bracket and ultimately captured gold.
Their over-the-top support resonated widely on social media, where clips of their celebrations circulated throughout the Games. What made the moment especially powerful was its authenticity.
The Winn siblings grew up playing hockey together, and their visible pride as Haley reached the pinnacle of her sport embodied the emotional core of the Olympics.
When the final horn sounded and Team USA secured the gold medal, the brothers’ celebration mirrored the joy felt by American fans everywhere — a reminder that behind every Olympian stands a family that shared the journey.
Venom on ice turns heads
Skeleton racing is built on precision and fearlessness, and Austin Florian brought both, along with unmistakable style, to Milano Cortina.
The Clarkson alum captured international attention with a custom helmet inspired by Venom, the Marvel anti-hero.
Featuring sharp white eyes and a bold, toothy grin across a black shell, the helmet became one of the most talked-about visuals of the Winter Games.
As Florian raced head-first down the track at speeds topping 80 miles per hour, television cameras and social media feeds alike gravitated toward the striking design.
Clips of his runs circulated widely, with fans praising both his creativity and his competitive performance.
While Florian’s 12th-place individual finish marked the top American result in the event, his helmet helped draw new viewers to skeleton and added personality to a sport that often flies under the radar.
In a Games defined by tradition and excellence, his bold design became a symbol of individuality — and another memorable chapter in Clarkson’s Olympic story.