Diversity still a major issue at the Winter Olympics. The US is making some strides

"When USA Bobsled and Skeleton unveils its Olympic rosters, the most likely scenario is that either eight or nine women will wind up competing for that federation on the ice at the Milan Cortina Winter Games. Most of those sliders will almost certainly be women of color. By the time the Games open, this could be the most diverse U.S. Olympic winter roster ever assembled."

"There is still obvious potential for far more growth on the diversity front, but some athletes feel that steps are being taken in the right direction. We're really doing this, said U.S. skeleton athlete Mystique Ro, a woman of Black and Korean descent and someone who teamed with Austin Florian to win last year's world championship in the sport's mixed event."

USA Bobsled and Skeleton's Olympic roster will likely include eight or nine women, most of them women of color. By the opening of the Milan Cortina Winter Games, the U.S. could field its most diverse Winter Olympic roster ever. The 2018 U.S. team included 21 athletes of Black or Asian descent, about 8% of the total; the 2026 team could exceed that figure. Some athletes acknowledge there is still room for growth on diversity, but say progress is underway. U.S. skeleton athlete Mystique Ro, who won last year's mixed world championship with Austin Florian, celebrated recent gains.

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