Kelly Curtis: A Rising Star in Skeleton Represents Team USA

New Jersey native Kelly Curtis is making waves as she represents Team USA in the thrilling sport of skeleton at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games. This marks her second consecutive Olympic appearance, and her story is one of dedication, family support, and breaking barriers.

From Princeton to the Olympic Stage

Curtis first burst onto the Olympic scene in 2022, and now she’s back, determined to excel. She recently finished 12th in the women’s skeleton competition, achieving a combined time of 3:52.13 seconds. While Austria’s Janine Flock claimed the gold, Curtis’s performance is a testament to her skill and perseverance.

A Historic First: Breaking Barriers in Skeleton

In Beijing, Curtis etched her name in history as the first Black athlete to represent Team USA in the sport of skeleton. This achievement carries immense significance, inspiring a new generation of athletes.

Serving Her Country: The U.S. Air Force Connection

Beyond her athletic prowess, Curtis proudly serves in the U.S. Air Force through the World Class Athlete Program. Her commitment to service runs in the family, as her older brother also served in the Air Force. “My job is to represent the air force in the upcoming Olympics, so everything is geared towards that,” Curtis explained. “The stability with healthcare and a regular salary allows me to reach my full potential.”

A Diverse Athletic Background

Curtis’s journey to skeleton wasn’t a straight path. She excelled in various sports growing up, including wrestling, track and field, and heptathlon at Springfield College, where she was a Penn Relays champion in 2011. A former coach’s suggestion led her to try bobsled, and from there, she “went down the rabbit hole” and discovered her passion for skeleton.

Balancing Motherhood and Olympic Dreams

The Milan Cortina Games hold a special significance for Curtis – it’s her first Olympics as a mom. Her daughter, Maeve, born in November 2023, has accompanied her on her journey, experiencing the energy and inspiration of the Games. “It is amazing to be able to put her in this atmosphere,” Curtis shared. “And it is not just when she sees me compete, it is all the powerful women out here that she is able to see follow their dreams.”

The Power of Support

Curtis emphasizes that her success isn’t a solo effort. Her husband, Jeff Milliron, is her strength and conditioning coach and unwavering support. They’ve relocated to Italy, where Curtis is stationed at Aviano Air Base, and Milliron has put his own aspirations aside to help her pursue her Olympic dream. Their daughter, Maeve, is already showing signs of being a little daredevil, seemingly convinced she’s invincible after watching her mom race!

A Message of Perseverance

Curtis hopes to instill a valuable lesson in her daughter: “Perseverance is a real thing. The grit, the tenacity, the resilience that we all go through.” She’s grateful for the support of her community and encourages aspiring athletes to chase their dreams, build a strong support network, and lift each other up.

For more information on local athletes competing in the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, visit NBC10.