The 2026 Winter Olympics showcased the incredible talents of athletes like Korey Dropkin, Ryan Cochran-Siegle, and Cory Thiesse, who not only excelled on the icy slopes but also have interesting professions off the field. Dropkin and Thiesse made history by winning a silver medal in the mixed doubles event of curling, becoming the first American team to achieve this feat.
Ryan Cochran-Siegle, who claimed a silver medal in the Super-G event, is not just a professional skier but also works at his family’s maple syrup shop, Slopeside Syrup, in Vermont. He humorously refers to himself as a “professional maple syrup chugger” and has been involved in the family business alongside his skiing career.
In addition to his curling endeavors, Korey Dropkin is a licensed realtor in Minnesota and Wisconsin, working for the Superior Shores Real Estate Group. He credits his colleagues for supporting his Olympic aspirations and helping him balance his real estate work with his athletic pursuits.
Cory Thiesse, the first U.S. female athlete to win a curling medal, works as a lab technician at her mother’s mercury testing company in Duluth, Minnesota. With a background in exercise science from the University of Minnesota, Thiesse found a job that accommodated her curling training needs.
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, the Norwegian-Brazilian alpine skier who clinched gold in the Giant Slalom, is not just a skiing sensation but also a runway model. Based in Milan, he is a global brand ambassador for Moncler Grenoble and is known for his bold fashion choices and vibrant style.
Tara Petterson, a dentist from Minnesota, represented the American squad in team curling at the Winter Olympics. Apart from her sporting achievements, Petterson follows her parents’ footsteps in the dental field, working at Gentle Dentistry in White Bear Lake.
Lea Ann Parsley, a former American skeleton racer and firefighter, won a silver medal at the 2002 Salt Lake Games. She transitioned into firefighting in the mid-1990s and earned accolades for her bravery in rescuing individuals from a house fire. Parsley holds a master’s in nursing from Ohio State University.
Nick Baumgartner, a snowboard cross athlete and concrete worker, competed in his fifth Winter Olympics at the age of 44. Despite his sporting success, including a gold medal in mixed team snowboard cross, Baumgartner continues to work in concrete to support himself, embodying the spirit of a #BlueCollarOlympian.
These athletes showcase the diverse talents and pursuits that extend beyond their sporting achievements, highlighting their dedication and versatility in both their professional careers and athletic endeavors.
