Olympic Glory: Harvard Athletes' Second Chance

As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach in Italy, a contingent of five athletes with connections to Harvard University are preparing to compete. This group includes both current students and alumni, representing a range of winter sports and showcasing the intersection of athletic and academic pursuits.

Harvard Athletes Prepare for the Olympic Stage

A Second Chance for Rémi Drolet

Alumnus Rémi Drolet ’24 will represent Canada in his second Winter Olympics. Drolet, a three-time All-American and the 2023 NCAA Men’s 20K Classic National Champion, is building on the experience gained at the 2022 Beijing Winter Games, where he first realized a dream sparked by watching the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. He has been competing in the World Cup circuit and recently completed altitude training in Switzerland in preparation for the Games.

Did You Know? Rémi Drolet earned Academic All-America honours twice and received a 2024 NCAA Today’s Top 10 Award for his accomplishments.

Drolet credits his time at Harvard with teaching him to maximize every opportunity. He believes the experience of balancing a demanding academic workload has sharpened his focus in training. He expressed excitement about the increased attention on his sport during the Olympics and the encouragement he’s receiving from his community.

Balancing Athletics and Academics: Tess Johnson’s Journey

Tess Johnson, currently pursuing a psychology degree at Harvard Extension School, is also preparing for her second Olympic appearance. The mogul skier debuted at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics at the age of 17. Johnson’s passion for skiing began at age two, initially with aspirations for slope style before transitioning to mogul skiing at age nine.

Johnson chose Harvard Extension School to allow her to continue her education while pursuing her athletic career. She currently takes two classes per semester and plans to graduate within the next two years. Her interest in psychology stems from its relevance to her athletic performance and a desire to pursue a Ph.D. After graduation.

Expert Insight: The ability of athletes like Johnson and Drolet to successfully integrate rigorous academic pursuits with elite athletic training demonstrates a high level of discipline and time management – skills that are likely to benefit them both on and off the competitive field.

Johnson feels more prepared and confident heading into the Italy Games, stating she is skiing better than ever and ready to give her all.

Additional Harvard Representation

Joining Drolet and Johnson will be alumnae Emerance Maschmeyer ’16, competing for Canada’s women’s ice hockey team, and Kristin Della Rovere ’23, representing the Italian National Women’s Ice Hockey team. Daniel Cnossen, M.P.A. ’16, M.T.S. ’18, is set to compete for Team USA in the Paralympic Games in March.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sports will these Harvard-affiliated athletes be competing in?

Rémi Drolet will compete in skiing, Tess Johnson in mogul skiing, Emerance Maschmeyer in women’s ice hockey, Kristin Della Rovere in women’s ice hockey, and Daniel Cnossen in the Paralympic Games.

Is Tess Johnson currently a full-time student?

Yes, Tess Johnson is currently an undergraduate student pursuing a psychology degree at Harvard Extension School.

What previous Olympic experience do these athletes have?

Rémi Drolet competed in the 2022 Beijing Winter Games, Tess Johnson debuted at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, Emerance Maschmeyer and Kristin Della Rovere are preparing for their Olympic debuts, and Daniel Cnossen will compete in the Paralympic Games.

As these athletes prepare to represent their countries, what impact do you think the unique challenges and opportunities presented by balancing elite athletics with a Harvard education will have on their performance?

Olympic Glory: Harvard Athletes’ Second Chance