Courtney Dauwalter, one of the most accomplished ultrarunners the sport has ever seen, has added a rare honor to her already illustrious resume. The American ultrarunner was selected as a torchbearer for the 2026 Winter Olympics, carrying the Olympic flame during its journey across Italy ahead of the Milan–Cortina Games.
Dauwalter took part in the relay last week as the torch continued its 63-day route through the country. The relay began in Rome on Dec. 6 and will cover roughly 12,000 kilometers, passing through 110 provinces and all 20 Italian regions. In total, 10,001 torchbearers will carry the flame before it arrives in Milan for the opening ceremony on Feb. 6. The Games run from Feb. 6 to Feb. 22.
“A huge honor to carry the Olympic torch in Italy,” Dauwalter wrote on Instagram. “Felt the weight of the dreams, the teamwork, the dedication, the patience, the joy, the nerves, and the beauty of trying hard all in this torch as it makes its way towards the opening ceremonies. Thank you for the inspiration! Grazie mille!”
While ultrarunning is not an Olympic sport, Dauwalter’s inclusion reflects her standing well beyond the trail world. A native of Hopkins, Minn., now based in Leadville, Colo., she has dominated nearly every major ultra-distance event she has entered.
Her wins include multiple victories at the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, considered the sport’s most prestigious race, with titles in 2019, 2021, and 2023, along with repeated wins at the Western States 100 and Hardrock 100.
Over the past decade, Dauwalter has become a defining figure in the running world, not only for her results but for how decisively she has raised expectations for women in ultraracing. Known for her calm demeanor and straightforward approach, she’s also become recognizable for her signature style of racing in loose, long board shorts.
The Olympic torch relay is a long-standing tradition meant to highlight unity and shared effort in the lead-up to each Games. Torchbearers are selected to represent a wide cross-section of society, from elite athletes to cultural figures and community leaders.
Dauwalter joined a relay lineup that has included several other high-profile participants in recent days. Actors Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, stars of the television series Heated Rivalry, also carried the torch during a recent leg in Italy. The Canadian series, centered on rival ice hockey players, gained widespread attention following its release last November.
Historically, Olympic torch relays have featured a mix of sporting legends and global figures, including Muhammad Ali, Carl Lewis, Cathy Freeman, Marie-José Pérec, Wayne Gretzky, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Nelson Mandela, and Snoop Dogg. More recently, Usain Bolt and Carl Lewis participated in relay events surrounding the Paris 2024 Games.
For Dauwalter, the moment placed her in a tradition that stretches well beyond finish lines and podiums. Though her career has been built far from Olympic stadiums, her role in the relay served as a reminder of how widely her influence now reaches.
The torch will continue its journey across Italy before arriving in Milan on Feb. 6, marking the official start of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
