Airmen Set to Shine at the 2026 Winter Olympics
As the world eagerly anticipates the Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games next month, two remarkable Airmen from the World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) are poised to represent Team USA and the United States Air Force. Staff Sgt. Kelly Curtis and Senior Airman Jasmine Jones are gearing up for their competitions, showcasing not just their athletic prowess but also the spirit of dedication and excellence ingrained in Air Force culture.
Meet the Athletes
Staff Sgt. Kelly Curtis will compete in skeleton, an adrenaline-pumping sport where athletes race down an icy track lying face down on a small sled. This isn’t Curtis’s first Olympic rodeo—she previously competed at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China, demonstrating a resilience and talent that have established her as a formidable contender on the international stage. Training at Aviano Air Base in Italy, she continues to refine her skills, eyeing the podium with unwavering determination.
Senior Airman Jasmine Jones, on the other hand, is making her Olympic debut in bobsleigh, a sport that involves teams of two or four making high-speed runs down a narrow track. Jones trains at the storied Lake Placid, New York, known for its rich Olympic history. Her participation in the Games marks a significant milestone in her athletic career and the Air Force’s growing presence in winter sports.
The Role of WCAP
Both athletes are integral members of the Department of the Air Force World Class Athlete Program, known for its commitment to nurturing elite athletes. Managed by the Air Force Services Center, WCAP allows dedicated Airmen to train and compete at national and international levels, all while upholding the core values of the Air Force. This program not only empowers athletes to reach for Olympic glory but also serves as a testament to the military’s emphasis on physical fitness and mental fortitude.
Words of Encouragement
Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier expressed his pride in the airmen’s achievements, highlighting the importance of their representation. “This accomplishment deserves more than just congratulations,” Lohmeier stated. “You represent the pinnacle of athleticism and the warrior mindset that defines our Air Force.” He emphasized that the performance of Curtis and Jones at the Olympics speaks volumes about the link between physical fitness, commitment to excellence, and military readiness.
Historical Context and Achievements
The WCAP has seen a remarkable increase in Olympic qualifiers, reportedly doubling since a strategic recruiting revision in 2021. This is noteworthy as it marks the program’s first instance of back-to-back selections for the Winter Olympics. Such progress speaks to the success of the program in fostering elite athletic talent within the military framework.
The excitement doesn’t stop there. Jones and her bobsled teammate, Kaillie Armbruster-Humphries, recently clinched silver at the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation World Cup in Altenberg, Germany. This accomplishment has undoubtedly set high expectations as they head towards the Olympic Games. Similarly, Curtis demonstrated her competitive edge by earning silver at a World Cup event in St. Moritz-Celerina, Switzerland, showcasing a remarkable comeback from ninth place to podium finish.
Training and Preparation for the Games
As the Games approach, USA Bobsled/Skeleton, the national governing body for both sports, will conduct a training camp in Europe to further hone the skills of Curtis and Jones. Following this preparatory phase, both athletes will travel to Cortina, Italy, where they’ll reside in the Olympic village, immersing themselves in the experience of representing their country on one of the world’s most prestigious athletic platforms.
The stories of Staff Sgt. Kelly Curtis and Senior Airman Jasmine Jones resonate far beyond their athletic performances; they reflect the dedication, resilience, and spirit that define the Air Force. As they prepare to take on the world this February, they carry with them the hopes and pride of their fellow Airmen and the nation.