Sports
The U.S. Army Names Soldier-Athletes Headed to the 2026 Winter Games in Italy
The U.S. Army says nine WCAP Soldier-athletes and coaches will compete at the 2026 Winter Games in Italy in bobsled, biathlon, Nordic combined and figure skating—showcasing elite fitness, discipline and performance.
The U.S. Army is sending a new group of Soldier-athletes to one of the biggest stages in international sports.
In a Jan. 29, 2026 announcement, the Army said nine Soldier-athletes and coaches will represent the United States at the 2026 Winter Games in Italy, with two additional Soldiers traveling as alternates. The group will compete across bobsled, biathlon, Nordic combined, and pairs figure skating—sports that demand equal parts endurance, precision, and mental toughness.
Who’s representing the Army at the 2026 Winter Games
According to the release, the Army’s lineup of Soldier-athletes and coaches includes:
Competing and coaching in Italy
- Lt. Col. Chris Fogt (Bobsled Head Coach)
- Lt. Col. Garrett Hines (Bobsled Coach)
- Sgt. 1st Class Shauna Rohbock (Bobsled Coach)
- Sgt. Frank Del Duca (Bobsled)
- Spc. Azaria Hill (Bobsled)
- Staff Sgt. Deedra Irwin (Biathlon)
- Spc. Sean Doherty (Biathlon)
- Sgt. Ben Loomis (Nordic Combined)
- Pvt. Spencer Howe (Pairs Figure Skating)
Alternates
- Cpl. Hakeem Abdul-Saboor (Bobsled Alternate)
- Spc. Dana Kellogg (Luge Doubles Alternate)
Soldier first, athlete always
The Army emphasized that WCAP athletes remain full-time Soldiers while training and competing at the elite level. Brig. Gen. Matthew Braman, the Army’s Chief Marketing Officer, said the same traits built through military service—discipline, mental agility, teamwork, and readiness—translate directly into high-level athletic performance.
“Even when competing at the highest level, these athletes are U.S. Army Soldiers first,” Braman said in the release, adding that they’re trained to be “tactically and technically proficient” and prepared to perform in any environment.
What is the World Class Athlete Program (WCAP)?
The Soldier-athletes train and serve through the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), which supports top-ranked Soldiers competing at the international level. WCAP provides coaching, facilities, and training resources while ensuring Soldiers maintain their readiness and complete mandatory Army requirements.
While WCAP was officially established in 1997, the Army says it has been training Soldier-athletes for more than 75 years. Over that span, the Army has sent more than 600 Soldier-athletes to compete on the world stage, earning more than 120 medals across summer and winter sports.
Italy adds a layer of Army history
This year’s Winter Games location also carries historical meaning for the Army. The release points to World War II, when the 10th Mountain Division—an elite unit trained for mountain warfare—climbed Riva Ridge in northern Italy in a mission that helped shift momentum in the war.
After returning home, many Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division helped build the foundation of the American ski industry by establishing ski resorts and ski schools across the U.S.—a legacy that still shows up in winter sports culture today.
Braman called the upcoming Games “a unique moment” to honor both the Army’s history in alpine terrain and its long-standing presence in elite athletics.
What to Watch For
- Biathlon conditioning: How Soldier-athletes balance endurance output with shooting precision under fatigue.
- Bobsled power and speed: Starts win races—watch for explosive sprint mechanics and teamwork on push phases.
- Nordic combined workload: One of the toughest mixes in sport; look for training insights on strength-to-weight and aerobic capacity.
- Recovery and readiness: How WCAP athletes manage sleep, mobility, and injury prevention while staying Soldier-ready.
- Italy’s alpine backdrop: The region’s mountain history adds context—and pressure—for performance in cold, high-demand environments.
Learn more
For more information about the U.S. Army and opportunities like WCAP, the release directs readers to GoArmy.com, including GoArmy.com/world-class-athlete-program.
Source: U.S. Army (PRNewswire), Jan. 29, 2026
Related External Links
- U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) – Overview of how Soldier-athletes train and compete at the elite level.
- GoArmy.com – Learn more about U.S. Army opportunities and careers.
- Team USA – Athlete news, sport profiles, and updates across Olympic and Paralympic disciplines.
- Olympics.com – Official Winter Games coverage, schedules, and sport explainers.
- International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) – Rules, rankings, and event info for Nordic disciplines, including Nordic combined.
- International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF) – Bobsled and skeleton sport info, events, and athlete resources.
- International Biathlon Union (IBU) – Biathlon news, event calendars, and performance insights.
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health and wellness
“Protect Your Skin: Celebrate Sunscreen Day”
“May 27th is Sunscreen Day! Protect your skin from harmful UV rays with broad-spectrum sunscreen and sun safety practices.”
Last Updated on May 27, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Sunscreen Day is a day dedicated to promoting the importance of wearing sunscreen and protecting our skin from harmful UV rays. Observed annually on May 27th, this day serves as a reminder that sunscreen is not just for the beach or pool, but an essential part of our daily routine.
The sun emits two types of harmful UV rays: UVA and UVB. UVA rays are responsible for premature aging, such as wrinkles and age spots, while UVB rays cause sunburn and can lead to the development of skin cancer. Sunscreen works by absorbing or reflecting these rays, preventing them from penetrating the skin.
Unfortunately, many people still do not wear sunscreen or do not wear it correctly. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, only 30% of Americans regularly use sunscreen. This is concerning, as skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with over 5 million cases diagnosed each year.
To ensure that sunscreen is effective, it is important to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays, while SPF 30 provides adequate protection for most skin types. Sunscreen should be applied 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
It is also important to remember that sunscreen is not the only way to protect your skin from the sun. Seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm) can also help reduce your risk of sun damage.
Sunscreen Day is a great opportunity to start incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine. Make it a habit to apply sunscreen every morning before leaving the house, and keep a bottle in your car or bag for reapplication throughout the day. Encourage your friends and family to do the same, and spread awareness about the importance of sun protection.
In conclusion, sunscreen is a crucial aspect of protecting our skin from the harmful effects of the sun. By choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and incorporating it into our daily routine, we can reduce our risk of skin cancer and premature aging. So let’s celebrate Sunscreen Day by making a commitment to protect our skin and encouraging others to do the same!
For more information heres a link to the Skin Cancer Foundation: https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/
https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/
Sports
CatchCorner by Sports Illustrated Partners With CityPickle to Expand Urban Pickleball Access in NYC
CatchCorner by Sports Illustrated partners with CityPickle to expand NYC pickleball access, adding Central Park, Times Square and LIC courts to easy online booking.
New York City’s pickleball boom is getting a little easier to navigate. CatchCorner by Sports Illustrated, a North America–wide platform for booking sports facilities, announced a strategic partnership with CityPickle that will bring several of the operator’s most recognizable NYC courts onto CatchCorner’s reservation network.
The launch includes three CityPickle locations: Wollman Rink in Central Park, the flagship facility in Times Square, and indoor courts in Long Island City. A fourth site at Brooklyn Bridge is expected to open soon, expanding the footprint even further. The idea is simple: players can discover and book court time through CatchCorner in “just a few clicks,” with real-time availability and built-in payment options.
Why this partnership matters
Pickleball’s growth has been fueled by accessibility, but in dense cities the biggest barrier is often logistics: finding courts, knowing what’s available, and actually locking in a time slot. By pairing CityPickle’s high-profile, high-traffic venues with CatchCorner’s booking infrastructure, the partnership aims to reduce friction for everyone from first-timers to regular players.
CatchCorner CEO Jonathan Azouri framed CityPickle as a key player in expanding access, pointing to the way the operator is repurposing iconic city spaces into “dynamic hubs for sport, community, and social connection.” CityPickle’s Director of Strategic Operations, Nate Hamowy, echoed that community-first approach, saying the company’s mission is to create a place where “everyone can enjoy the game,” and that CatchCorner’s platform helps players find and connect across sports.
The bigger trend: racquet sports go urban
The announcement also signals a broader shift in how racquet sports are being built into city life. Instead of relying solely on traditional clubs or hard-to-access public courts, operators are increasingly activating prominent locations and creating event-like environments around play. In a place like NYC—where space is scarce and demand is high—partnerships like this can be the difference between pickleball feeling like a trend and pickleball becoming a permanent part of the city’s recreation ecosystem.
What to watch for next
- Brooklyn Bridge expansion: The upcoming fourth location could be a major demand driver, especially if it mirrors the visibility and foot traffic of the Central Park and Times Square sites.
- More venue additions: CatchCorner’s model is built for scale. If the CityPickle rollout performs well, it could accelerate additional urban racquet-sport partnerships.
- Community programming: The most successful city courts tend to pair bookings with leagues, clinics, and social play—expect more structured programming as these venues attract new players.
Players looking to reserve court time can do so through CatchCorner’s platform at www.catchcorner.comor via the CatchCorner app on the App Store and Google Play.
The Sports section of STM Daily News is your ultimate destination for all things sports, catering to everyday fans and dedicated enthusiasts alike. We cover a wide range of topics, from the thrill of amateur competitions to the excitement of semi-professional and professional leagues. Our content delves into physical and mental fitness, providing insights and tips that help individuals elevate their performance, whether on the field or in their personal wellness journeys. Stay informed and inspired as we explore the dynamic world of sports, celebrating both the passion of the players and the joy of the fans.
https://stmdailynews.com/sports
Senior Pickleball Report
Pickleball Kingdom’s California Expansion Starts in Roseville; Sleeves SPR Has Full Details
West Coast pickleball players could see more indoor options soon as Pickleball Kingdom’s California Expansion becomes statewide. The first club opens in Roseville with 11 indoor courts.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Pickleball Kingdom, which calls itself the world’s largest indoor pickleball entity, announced a landmark agreement to develop locations across California, with multi-unit franchisees Parminder and Komal Saini leading the statewide expansion.
Pickleball Kingdom’s California Expansion
The company said demand is rising across the Bay Area, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego County, and the Inland Empire, and that future clubs are expected to include professional-grade indoor courts, coaching and clinics for all skill levels, youth development programs, leagues and tournaments, a pro shop, and social areas.
The first California location is set to open in Roseville with grand opening activities the weekend of March 28. The club will feature 11 professional-grade indoor courts across approximately 32,900 square feet at 10251 Fairway Drive, Roseville, CA 95678.
For more context on the announcement and what the rollout could mean for California players, Sleeves Senior Pickleball Report published a full write-up here: https://sleeves-spr.com/pickleball-kingdom-announces-major-california-expansion-first-club-opens-in-roseville/Pickleball Kingdom also said it is seeking additional franchise partners in California. More information is available at https://pickleballkingdom.com/franchise/
Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/
