Military athletes continue to strengthen the ties between U.S. armed services and Olympic sports, with several service members competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. Among them are Army Sgt. Frank Del Duca, who is the top driver for USA Bobsled and aims for gold, and Army Spc. Azaria Hill, competing in the two-woman bobsled. The team is coached by military personnel, including Lt. Col. Christopher Fogt, a former Olympian. Del Duca, who is also a member of the Army's World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), credits the military with providing discipline, leadership, and financial stability that support his Olympic ambitions. Del Duca's background includes a college track career and a passion for adrenaline sports, which led him to bobsledding after trying various action sports as a youth. He is motivated by a desire to medal for the U.S. and to inspire others. Similarly, figure skater Spencer Howe, also a soldier, made his Olympic debut after joining WCAP in 2024. Howe, who balances military duties as a motor transport operator with his skating, experienced a hiatus from ice training due to basic military training but returned refreshed and ready to compete. Howe and his partner Emily Chan secured a spot on the U.S. Olympic team after a strong performance at nationals, despite a challenging start in the competition. Both Howe and Del Duca exemplify how military service and athletic excellence are intertwined, with the WCAP providing a crucial pathway for service members to pursue Olympic success while maintaining their military careers. The athletes are driven by patriotism and personal ambition, aiming for medals and to elevate the profile of military athletes in international sports.