American skier Ryan Cochran-Siegle added another chapter to his family’s rich Olympic legacy by winning the silver medal in the men’s downhill event on February 11. In a race decided by hundredths of a second, Cochran-Siegle navigated the treacherous Milanese slopes with a combination of aggression and tactical poise. He was the only American to finish in the top ten, carrying the weight of the U.S. alpine program on his shoulders.
The course conditions were challenging, with icy patches causing several top-seeded skiers to lose time in the middle section. Cochran-Siegle, however, found a superior line through the technical "Cresta" turn, gaining momentum that carried him through the final flat stretch. While he narrowly missed the gold, which went to a local Italian favorite, the silver is a massive achievement for the Vermont native.
His performance was a highlight of the morning session, providing Team USA with a crucial medal in a discipline that has historically been dominated by European athletes. Cochran-Siegle’s family, often referred to as the "Skiing Cochrans," have a history in the Olympics dating back to the 1970s. This silver medal reinforces their status as the first family of American alpine skiing.
Following the race, Ryan noted that he felt "at one with the mountain," a sentiment echoed by his coaches who praised his mental preparation. The U.S. Ski Team has faced criticism in recent years for a lack of depth in speed events, but Cochran-Siegle’s podium finish provides a much-needed boost. His success is expected to inspire the next generation of American downhillers training in the Rockies and New England.
The silver medal ceremony was an emotional one, as Cochran-Siegle dedicated the win to his mother, a former Olympic gold medalist herself. With several events remaining in the Milan Cortina Games, Ryan is also a threat in the Super-G. For now, he remains the standard-bearer for American alpine excellence on the world’s biggest stage.
Ryan Cochran-Siegle wins silver in the Olympic men's downhill on February 11, 2026.
He navigated a highly technical and icy course to secure his second career Olympic medal.
The victory continues the "Skiing Cochrans" family legacy in the Winter Olympics.
Cochran-Siegle was the top-performing American in the alpine speed events of the day.
This medal helps Team USA maintain a top-five position in the overall Olympic medal count.
HISTORY
American alpine skiing history is defined by legendary names like Lindsey Vonn, Bode Miller, and Mikaela Shiffrin. While the U.S. has often excelled in technical events like Slalom, the Speed events (Downhill and Super-G) have seen more intermittent success. The Cochran family has been a constant thread through this history, with Barbara Ann Cochran winning gold in 1972, setting a standard for her son Ryan to follow.
Recent milestones in Ryan Cochran-Siegle’s career and U.S. Alpine history include:
Ryan winning silver in the Super-G at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
A significant injury in 2021 that nearly ended his career, making his subsequent comeback a major story.
The 2024 World Cup season where Ryan finished in the top three of the downhill standings.
Mikaela Shiffrin breaking the all-time World Cup win record in 2023, bringing massive attention to U.S. skiing.
The 2025-2026 pre-Olympic training camp in Europe where Ryan recorded the fastest practice times in the field.