U-M Athletes Shine with Historic Moments in Winter Olympic Games

U-M athletes have shined in Winter Games since 1936, with 12 podium finishes. Discover their top moments and milestones.

February 5, 2026

Since 1936, University of Michigan athletes and alumni have participated in the Winter Games, achieving remarkable moments and milestones. Throughout these years, they have earned 12 podium spots, showcasing their talent and dedication on the global stage. From ski jumping to ice hockey and ice dancing, U-M’s presence in the Winter Olympics is significant.

1936

U-M students and Olympic skier Walter Bietila with his skis — Walter Bietila from Ishpeming Michigan participated in the Winter Olympics Photo from the Bentley Historical Library

Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

Walter Bietila became the first U-M student to compete in the Winter Olympics, securing 30th place in ski jumping. Despite the cancellation of the 1940 Games due to WWII, Bietila returned as the U.S. ski jumping team’s captain in 1946.

1956

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

U-M athletes Willard Ikola and John Matchefts made history by winning silver in men’s ice hockey, marking U-M’s first Winter Games medals. Ikola was named the top goalie, and Robert White added a bronze with Canada.

Team USA men's ice hockey team in 1956 — Team USA finished second behind the Soviet Union

1992/1994

Albertville/Lillehammer

U-M alumni Todd Brost and David Harlock earned silver medals with Canada in consecutive Winter Games, reinforcing the university’s hockey legacy.

U-M defenseman David Harlock in a game at the Olympics playing for the Canadian team. — David Harlock far left secured a silver medal with Canada Photo courtesy of Hockey Canada

2010

Vancouver

Five U-M athletes excelled at the Games, with Meryl Davis and Charlie White winning silver in ice dancing, and Jack Johnson securing a silver in ice hockey with Team USA. Evan Bates and Emily Samuelson also competed in ice dancing.

A photo of hockey player Jack Johnson, on Team USA, during a hockey game during the 2010 Winter Olympics — Jack Johnson right played a crucial role in Team USAs success AP photo

2014

Sochi

Eight Wolverines represented the U.S., including ice dancers Davis and White, who won gold, and Carl Hagelin, who earned silver with Sweden. Max Pacioretty and Brian Lebler debuted in hockey, while Bates and Chock placed eighth in ice dancing.

Ice dancing gold medalists Meryl Davis and Charlie White during their performance at the Winter Olympics — Gold medalists Meryl Davis and Charlie White trained in Michigan AP photo

2018

Pyeongchang

Six U-M athletes competed, with Andrew Ebbett winning bronze in hockey for Canada and the Shibutani siblings earning dual bronzes in ice dancing and team events. Sam McGuffie debuted in bobsledding.

Ice dancing siblings Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani with an American flag at the Winter Olympics — The ShibSibs Maia and Alex Shibutani celebrated two bronze medals

2022

Beijing

Seven U-M athletes participated, including hockey players like Matty Beniers and Brendan Brisson. Evan Bates made history as a four-time Olympian, earning silver with Chock in the team event, later upgraded to gold due to Russia’s doping demotion.

U-M’s 2022 Team USA Ice Hockey Olympians (from left): Steven Kampfer, Brendan Brisson, Matty Beniers, Strauss Mann. — U Ms 2022 Team USA Ice Hockey Olympians from left Steven Kampfer Brendan Brisson Matty Beniers Strauss Mann USA Hockey photo

2026

Milan Cortina

Five U-M alumni head to Italy, including hockey stars like Kyle Connor and Dylan Larkin. Bates aims for a fifth consecutive Olympics, partnered with Chock, as they strive for ice dancing gold.