Lily Dhawornvej Competes in Olympic Big Air Qualifications at Milano Cortina 2026
London, 8 February 2026 – American snowboarding sensation Lily Dhawornvej has officially made her Olympic debut today, competing in the women’s snowboard big air qualifications at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games in Livigno, Italy. The 16-year-old Colorado native, who has rapidly ascended from the rookie ranks to the U.S. Pro Team, is one of the primary contenders representing Team USA in both slopestyle and big air disciplines. Despite her rising status as a world-class athlete, Dhawornvej recently admitted to international media that she continues to battle a significant fear of heights before every major jump.
Olympic Debut and Recent Performance
Dhawornvej arrived at the 2026 Winter Olympics following a highly successful qualification period. In January 2026, she secured her first career World Cup podium with a second-place finish at the prestigious Laax Open. Now settled into the athletes’ village in Italy, she has become a focal point of Team USA’s snowboarding defence alongside teammates Hahna Norman and Jess Perlmutter. During a press conference in Livigno on 3 February 2026, Dhawornvej reflected on her journey, citing Zoi Sadowski-Synnott’s previous gold-medal performances as a primary inspiration for her own Olympic ambitions.
Athlete Profile: Key Facts
The following table outlines the professional profile and biographical details of Lily Dhawornvej as of the current Olympic cycle.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lily Dhawornvej |
| Date of Birth | 2009 |
| Age | 16 |
| Hometown | Littleton, Colorado (Trains at Copper Mountain/Vail) |
| Nationality | American |
| Disciplines | Slopestyle, Big Air, Knuckle Huck |
| Club | Ski and Snowboard Club Vail (SSCV) |
| Major Achievements | X Games Knuckle Huck Bronze Medal; 2nd Place Laax Open (2026) |
| Olympic Status | Active Competitor (Milano Cortina 2026) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What events is Lily Dhawornvej competing in at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Lily Dhawornvej is representing the United States in the Women’s Snowboard Slopestyle and Women’s Snowboard Big Air events. She participated in the Big Air qualification rounds today, 8 February 2026.
How did Lily Dhawornvej qualify for the U.S. Pro Team?
After joining the U.S. Snowboard Rookie Team in June 2024, she was promoted to the Pro Team in 2025 following two top-8 finishes in World Cup events and consistent podium performances on the international circuit.
Has she won any major international medals?
Yes, prior to the 2026 Olympics, Dhawornvej earned an X Games Bronze Medal in the Knuckle Huck event and secured a silver medal at the FIS World Cup Laax Open in January 2026.
Where is Lily Dhawornvej from?
She was born in Littleton, Colorado. Her family, including her father Singkorn, mother Krista, and brother Caleb, are all snowboarders. She currently represents Copper Mountain and Ski and Snowboard Club Vail.