Matt Greiner and Ashley Farquharson from Park City nominated for the Team USA Luge roster for the 2026 Olympics in Italy.
PARK CITY, Utah — In an exciting announcement from USA Luge, two talented athletes from Park City have been nominated to the roster for Team USA for the upcoming 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. Matt Greiner and Ashley Farquharson, both affiliated with the Wasatch Luge Club and the Youth Sports Alliance, have made significant strides in their respective luge careers, showcasing their exceptional talents on an international stage.
While being nominated is a significant achievement, it is important to note that this does not guarantee a place on the final Olympic team. The final roster will be confirmed closer to the Games, but the nomination serves as an important milestone in these athletes' journeys. Matt Greiner, a 22-year-old slider, expressed his excitement and relief at being nominated, stating, "Today was unbelievable. The men’s series came right down to the wire. I had the best race of my career today and got the job done when it mattered. It’s literally a dream come true." His passion and determination were evident as he reflected on his journey to this point.
Greiner is set to compete in the men's singles event, marking his Olympic debut. This nomination follows an impressive junior career, where he earned two Junior World Championship medals. Transitioning to the national team last season, Greiner has demonstrated remarkable adaptability and skill. A standout moment in his career came with a career-best 15th-place finish in Winterberg, Germany, which secured his Olympic nomination. Notably, Greiner represented the USA in the Youth Olympic Games in Switzerland back in 2020, showcasing his potential at an early age.
His father, who serves as the Principal at Silver Summit Academy in Park City, expressed immense pride in his son's achievements. Greiner humorously shared in a press conference, “I’m just relieved to tell my parents not to sell those Olympic tickets they’ve been holding on to.” This lighthearted comment underscores the emotional significance of this nomination for Greiner and his family.
In a competitive twist, Tucker West, a seasoned athlete from Lake Placid, New York, finished in 20th place in the latest World Cup event, falling short of the required 16th place to secure his Olympic nomination. West, a three-time Olympian and three-time World Cup gold medalist, was in a position to contend for a spot against Greiner but ultimately could not surpass him in the rankings.
Ashley Farquharson, 24, will also be representing Team USA in the singles event. Having competed in the 2022 Winter Olympics, Farquharson has steadily improved her standings in the sport. After a series of fourth-place finishes, her perseverance paid off this season when she won her first World Cup medal on her home track at the Utah Olympic Park, followed by another medal in Lake Placid the following week. Her consistent performance has earned her a nomination as the second-ranked U.S. sledder.
Reflecting on her journey, Farquharson expressed her excitement about the upcoming Olympics, stating, "This time, it will be a more inclusive family experience compared to the previous Games held during the pandemic, where it was just my teammates high-fiving me at the finish line." Her family, who owns the Clockwork Cafe restaurants in Park City, have been a source of support throughout her athletic career, and their pride in her accomplishments is palpable.
The nominations extend beyond singles, with doubles teams also being considered for the Olympic roster. The selections for relay teams will be finalized during the Games, where luge events traditionally kick off the Winter Olympics schedule. This year, the excitement is amplified as Park City athletes represent their community on such a prestigious international stage.
As the countdown to the 2026 Winter Olympics continues, the official lineup for Team USA will be confirmed by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) in the coming days. For Greiner and Farquharson, the nomination is a testament to their hard work and dedication, as they prepare to compete against the world's best in one of the most exhilarating winter sports. The Park City community stands behind these athletes, eager to witness their journeys unfold on the global stage, and hopeful for their success in Milan Cortina 2026.