U.S. cross-country ski team coach Matt Whitcomb with Yolanda the wax truck and some of the 600 pairs of skis it holds at a World Cup race in Goms, Switzerland Jan. 23, 2026
Eric Whitney/NPR
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Eric Whitney/NPR
America’s Olympic cross-country ski team has achieved historic wins at this year’s Games in Italy. Ben Ogden won a silver medal, becoming only the second American man to win an Olympic medal in the sport in 50 years. Jessie Diggins has medaled for the U.S. for the third consecutive Olympics, securing a bronze.
The team’s success is largely attributed to a dedicated team of technicians who meticulously prepare the athletes’ skis before every race. They apply secret wax formulas, meticulously scrape and brush the skis, and test them rigorously on snow before the race begins.
Diggins commended their efforts at the last World Cup race in Switzerland, where she placed second in a 20-kilometer classic technique contest. The race requires skis that provide both grip and fast glide, a challenging balance to achieve.
“Today, I feel like the win belongs to our wax team,” Diggins expressed after the race. “I had amazing kick. I was so impressed; that was crucial to success today, especially for 20 kilometers.”
The U.S. cross-country team has 10 ski technicians who travel throughout Europe during the winter season, with Yolanda the wax truck serving as their mobile workspace.
Yolanda’s name is a nod to the movie Pulp Fiction, adding a touch of humor to their intense work environment.
Team USA’s Wax Boss, Oleg Ragilo, an Estonian fluent in five languages, has been an integral part of the team since 2008.
Ragilo emphasizes the significant impact Yolanda has had on their operations, providing a comfortable and efficient space for ski preparation.
Yolanda, though smaller than other countries’ wax trucks, is highly regarded by the American team for its functionality and convenience.
