Team USA Athletes’ Inspiring Journey to Milan: How GoFundMe is Fueling Dreams and Breaking Barriers Ahead of the 2026 Olympics

Published on
February 4, 2026

By: Tuhin Sarkar

As the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan approach, Team USA is facing a new, powerful reality: athletes are not just competing for gold—they are fighting against significant financial barriers to make it to the biggest stage in sports. While the world watches with awe as Olympic hopefuls race toward their dreams, behind the scenes, many athletes are relying on GoFundMe campaigns to cover the costs of training, equipment, and travel. These are not your average stories of athletes backed by sponsors and massive paychecks. These are the stories of underdogs—athletes who have fought their way to the Olympics with community support and determination.

For Mystique Ro, Dan Barefoot, Iris Pflum, Conor McDermott-Mostowy, and Bryan Sosoo, their path to the 2026 Olympics has been anything but easy. GoFundMe has become a lifeline for these dedicated athletes, enabling them to compete at the world’s most prestigious stage without worrying about financial instability. What’s happening behind the scenes isn’t just about training and skill—it’s about small donations from everyday people, enabling these athletes to make their mark.

Mystique Ro: The Skeleton Athlete Who Fought Her Way to the Top with GoFundMe Support

When you hear about an Olympic athlete like Mystique Ro, the first thing that comes to mind is probably her incredible skill and drive on the skeleton track. Ro is the top-ranked U.S. skeleton athlete entering the 2026 Olympic year with a potential medal in sight, but what you may not know is how she has funded much of her journey herself. A single season can cost over $25,000, covering everything from equipment to travel and training fees—paid directly by Ro herself.

Despite the financial strain, Ro continues to compete at the highest level, knowing that adequate equipment and support are critical to her success. GoFundMe has been a game-changer, enabling her to cover the expenses and continue her pursuit of greatness. “Success is often linked back to proper and adequate equipment,” Ro said. By using community support through GoFundMe, Ro is overcoming the financial obstacles that stand in the way of Olympic glory.

Dan Barefoot’s Olympic Journey: How Community Support Helped a Skeleton Athlete Push Through Financial Strain

Dan Barefoot, a fellow skeleton athlete, shares a similar journey. For Barefoot, the final stretch before the 2026 Olympics could have been a financial disaster. However, with the help of GoFundMe, he was able to stabilize his financial situation and continue training in Europe. This athlete, who is constantly on the road for training camps and competitions, was facing mounting expenses—until his hometown community stepped up to support him. In a recent update, Barefoot expressed his excitement about competing in Milan, stating, “What is happening right now?” He credits the GoFundMe support for helping him navigate these financial challenges.

As Barefoot heads into Milan, he’s not just carrying his personal dreams but also the hopes of his supporters. His story shows that, for many athletes, the journey to the Olympics is not solely about their physical abilities—it’s about securing the funds to make that dream a reality. Thanks to community support, Dan Barefoot is in the final stretch of his journey to Olympic success.

Iris Pflum: Snowboarder Making Her Olympic Debut Thanks to GoFundMe Support from Minnesota

For Iris Pflum, the 2026 Winter Olympics are the culmination of years of hard work on the World Cup circuit. At just 22 years old, Pflum is making her Olympic debut, and while she has earned her place through relentless training, the financial burden was still significant. Pflum turned to GoFundMe to help cover training and travel costs. Her hometown supporters in Minnesota rallied behind her, providing crucial funding to help her compete on the world stage.

For Pflum, GoFundMe wasn’t just a financial lifeline—it was an opportunity for her community to join her journey, marking the power of local support in shaping a global career. Her story is a testament to the importance of community engagement in the pursuit of excellence, and as she prepares for Milan, she does so with the unwavering support of her hometown behind her.

Conor McDermott-Mostowy: Speedskater Defies Odds with Community Backing After Missing 2022 Olympics

One of the most inspiring stories comes from Conor McDermott-Mostowy, a long track speedskater who was just one spot away from competing in the 2022 Winter Olympics. McDermott-Mostowy, a national champion, missed the Games by a hair after falling ill just before trials. But his journey wasn’t over. GoFundMe provided crucial financial support for his training and travel, allowing him to focus on his goal of making it to Milan 2026. The US Speedskating and US Olympic Committee’s financial backing was, in McDermott-Mostowy’s words, less than $5 an hour, which meant he had to rely on community support to make his Olympic dreams a reality.

Today, McDermott-Mostowy is gearing up for the 2026 Olympics, with the financial backing from GoFundMe giving him the freedom to focus on what matters most: his speedskating performance. His story is a powerful reminder of the importance of community and how, sometimes, success comes from the collective support of those who believe in you.

Bryan Sosoo’s Journey: Bobsled Athlete Balances Full-Time Work with Training, Thanks to GoFundMe

Bryan Sosoo, a bobsled athlete who qualified for the U.S. World Cup team, faced the daunting task of balancing a full-time job while training for the Olympics. This level of commitment came with huge financial challenges—expenses for travel, training, and housing were largely self-funded. But Sosoo’s journey was supported by GoFundMe, which helped him manage these expenses and allowed him to focus on training. In just a few months, Sosoo went from being recruited to qualifying for the World Cup team, proving that dedication, community support, and hard work can overcome even the most difficult challenges.

Sosoo’s story proves that Olympic athletes aren’t always backed by massive sponsorship deals. Instead, many rely on small donations from people who believe in their dreams. For Sosoo, GoFundMe helped close the gap between his dreams and the reality of competing at the highest level. His journey to Milan is a powerful example of determination and the supporting power of a community.

The Role of GoFundMe in Helping Athletes Reach the Olympic Stage

As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan approach, the spotlight is not just on the athletes but on the supporting role that platforms like GoFundMe play in helping Team USA athletes realize their Olympic dreams. For Mystique Ro, Dan Barefoot, Iris Pflum, Conor McDermott-Mostowy, and Bryan Sosoo, GoFundMe has been a lifeline, offering essential support to cover the costs of training, travel, and equipment.

These incredible athletes are not just competing in Milan for themselves—they are representing their communities, who have backed them every step of the way. Their stories showcase the power of community support and how platforms like GoFundMe can level the playing field, giving all athletes the chance to compete at the highest level—regardless of financial barriers.

As Team USA heads to Milan, their stories remind us of the importance of community, determination, and the supporting power of those who believe in dreams, no matter how big.