Maria Laborde smiling

Hispanic Heritage Month: Maria Celia Laborde’s Journey From Cuba To Team USA

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Team USA Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month 

Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, and aims to highlight the achievements of the Hispanic community on and off the field of play.

  • Natalia Grossman smiles after a climb

    Natalia Grossman, Sport Climbing

    “Hispanic Heritage Month gives me the chance to reflect on how my upbringing shaped who I am. When I was younger, I spent a lot of time in a different environment — speaking another language, living a different lifestyle and fully immersed in my culture. Those experiences gave me perspective and taught me to appreciate the opportunities and resources I have today. This month reminds me to celebrate those roots with pride and carry them forward in my daily life.”

    Athlete Profile
  • Anita Alvarez swimming during the women's solo free.

    Anita Alvarez, Artistic Swimming

    “Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the vibrant cultures, stories and traditions that shape our communities. As a Mexican-American, I’m proud to honor my roots and carry the passion, strength and creativity of my heritage into every moment — in and out of the pool.”

    Athlete Profile
  • Hezly Rivera of Team United States competes on the balance beam during the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Qualification on day two of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on July 28, 2024 in Paris, France.

    Hezly Rivera, Artistic Gymnastics

    “Hispanic Heritage is all about feeling connected to and staying rooted in my culture — the food, the music, the way my family comes together. It’s about being proud of where I come from. Shoutout to all the people from the Dominican Republic.”

    Athlete Profile
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On the Ice at Short Track U.S. Speedskating Championships 

Featured Milano Cortina 2026 Qualified Athletes 

  • Chloe Kim

    Sport:Snowboarding

    Number of olympic medals this Athlete has won

    gold medals:
    2
    silver medals:
    0
    bronze medals:
    0

    Athlete Stats

    Hometown
    Torrance, CA
    Height
    5'3"
    Age
    25

    Fun fact

    First athlete to win titles at all four major snowboarding events – the Olympics, Youth Winter Olympics, X Games and FIS World Championships

    Chloe Kim celebrates after competing.
    ViewChloe Kim's Profile
  • Jaelin Kauf

    Sport:Freestyle Skiing

    Number of olympic medals this Athlete has won

    gold medals:
    0
    silver medals:
    1
    bronze medals:
    0

    Athlete Stats

    Hometown
    Alta, WY
    Height
    5'4"
    Age
    29

    Fun fact

    She is the fastest woman on the moguls World Cup circuit

    Jaelin Kauf holds her skies up in celebration.
  • Alex Hall

    Sport:Freestyle Skiing

    Number of olympic medals this Athlete has won

    gold medals:
    1
    silver medals:
    0
    bronze medals:
    0

    Athlete Stats

    Hometown
    Park City, UT
    Height
    6'4"
    Age
    27

    Fun fact

    First athlete to land a 2160 in competition

    Alex Hall poses with the U.S. flag.
  • Red Gerard

    Sport:Snowboarding

    Number of olympic medals this Athlete has won

    gold medals:
    1
    silver medals:
    0
    bronze medals:
    0

    Athlete Stats

    Hometown
    Silverthorne, CO
    Height
    5'5"
    Age
    25

    Fun fact

    Started his own a non-profit organization, Red’s Backyard, that enables kids to take part in outdoor sports at no cost

    Red Gerard after competing in slopestyle.
  • Alex Ferreira

    Sport:Freestyle Skiing

    Number of olympic medals this Athlete has won

    gold medals:
    0
    silver medals:
    1
    bronze medals:
    1

    Athlete Stats

    Hometown
    Aspen, CO
    Height
    5'9"
    Age
    31

    Fun fact

    First skied moguls before switching to halfpipe

    Alex Ferreira outstretches his arms in celebration.
  • Jack Eichel

    Sport:Ice Hockey

    Athlete Stats

    Hometown
    North Chelmsford, MA
    Height
    6'2"
    Age
    28

    Fun fact

    Started his NHL career with the Buffalo Sabres in 2015

    Jack Eichel competing.
  • Quinn Hughes

    Sport:Ice Hockey

    Athlete Stats

    Hometown
    Orlando, FL
    Height
    5'10"
    Age
    25

    Fun fact

    Has two brothers, Jack and Luke, who also play in the NHL

    Quinn Hughes competing.
  • Brady Tkachuk

    Sport:Ice Hockey

    Athlete Stats

    Hometown
    Scottsdale, AZ
    Height
    6'4"
    Age
    26

    Fun fact

    His older brother, Matthew Tkachuk, plays for the Florida Panthers

    Brady Tkachuk competing.
  • Matthew Tkachuk

    Sport:Ice Hockey

    Athlete Stats

    Hometown
    Scottsdale, AZ
    Height
    6'2"
    Age
    27

    Fun fact

    His younger brother, Brady Tkachuk, is the captain of the Ottawa Senators

    Matthew Tkachuk competing.
  • Auston Matthews

    Sport:Ice Hockey

    Athlete Stats

    Hometown
    Scottsdale, AZ
    Height
    6'3"
    Age
    28

    Fun fact

    Selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2016 NHL Draft and immediately made history by scoring four goals in his NHL debut

    Auston Matthews competing.
ADAPTIVE, a new series streaming now on Peacock and Team USA TV, featuring the untold journeys of Ezra Frech, Josie Aslakson, Courtney Ryan and Jamal Hill.

ADAPTIVE: Team USA Paralympians' Journey to Paris 2024

ADAPTIVE explores the personal and athletic journeys of U.S. Paralympians. This inaugural season follows the road from Tokyo 2020 to Paris 2024, featuring Ezra Frech, Jamal Hill, Courtney Ryan and Josie Aslakson.

Watch the full series now on Team USA TV.

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