US Air Force Olympian Jasmine Jones Embraces Pride in Representing America at Milan Cortina Games
MILAN, Italy — Jasmine Jones, a member of the U.S. Air Force and a first-time Olympian, is making her mark at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina with a profound sense of pride and dedication. Competing in the two-woman bobsled event, Jones expressed that representing the United States on the world stage has elevated her performance and deepened her commitment to both her sport and her country.
Jones, a mother of a 5-year-old and a service member in the Air Force, shared with Fox News Digital that the opportunity to compete as both an athlete and a military airman brings a unique and powerful meaning to her Olympic journey. “I feel like being able to represent my country, as well as being an athlete for my country, it definitely brings a different meaning and a different caliber,” she said. “I’m honored to have this opportunity to represent both. I’m thankful for being an airman and representing my country in that aspect.”
This dual role is rare among Olympians, and Jones believes it adds a layer of responsibility and motivation. Her experience in the military has instilled discipline and resilience, qualities that translate well to the high-speed, precision-driven sport of bobsledding. “It definitely ties it together and brings different meaning and how much more I have to give,” Jones remarked.
Her journey to the Olympics was marked by near misses and determination. Jones narrowly missed qualifying for the 2022 Beijing Winter Games but persevered, ultimately earning her spot on the 2026 team. Her story contrasts with some other members of Team USA who have voiced criticism or frustration during the Games, highlighting Jones’s gratitude and focus.
Jones’s participation also brings attention to the representation of military personnel in international sports competitions. The U.S. Department of Defense supports athletes like Jones through programs that allow service members to train and compete while serving, reflecting a commitment to excellence both in uniform and on the field of play. More about military athletes and their Olympic involvement can be found on the Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation Olympic Sports page.
The Winter Olympics themselves, governed by the International Olympic Committee and hosted in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, showcase a global gathering of athletes striving for excellence. The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee provides extensive support and resources to American athletes, including those balancing military careers, as detailed on their official site Team USA.
Jones’s story has resonated with many, highlighting the intersection of service and sport. The U.S. Air Force’s official page on sports and fitness emphasizes how athletic participation fosters teamwork, leadership, and physical readiness, qualities that Jones exemplifies on the Olympic track. More information is available at the U.S. Air Force Sports & Fitness portal.
As the Games continue, Jones’s focus remains on delivering her best performance while embodying the values of dedication and patriotism. Her journey reflects a broader narrative of American athletes who carry the weight of national pride alongside personal and professional commitments. The Olympic spirit, underscored by resilience and unity, shines through in Jones’s words and actions.
For those interested in the broader context of military athletes at the Olympics, the Department of Defense Olympic Support page offers insights into how the armed forces facilitate and celebrate the achievements of their service members on the global stage.
Jasmine Jones’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the honor of representing one’s country, both in uniform and on the icy Olympic tracks of Milan Cortina.
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