Olympians reunite with early mentors who inspired their journeys at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games.

Athletes at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics are featured in NBC Local’s “Launching Legends” series, sharing emotional reunions with childhood mentors who believed in them before fame. Hilary Knight, Brittany Bowe, Caroline Harvey, and Mac Forehand each recalled early support from coaches and teachers—George Hughes, Renee Hildebrand, Lisa Dias, and Brian Knowles—who recognized their talent and shaped their paths. The stories highlight the lasting impact of early encouragement from non-family figures, underscoring that behind every Olympic champion is a network of unsung supporters.