The countdown is on to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, and Bellefontaine native Louie Vito is once again chasing Olympic glory.
Born in Columbus and raised in Bellefontaine, Vito grew up snowboarding on the slopes of Mad River Mountain, where his passion for the sport first took shape. After representing Team USA at the 2010 Vancouver Games, Vito later competed for Team Italy in 2022, honoring his family heritage. Now, he’s hoping to qualify for his third Olympic appearance, this time with the host nation once again.
Known for his high-flying halfpipe runs and his dedication both on and off the snow, Vito has become one of Ohio’s most accomplished winter athletes.
Currently, Vito is in dry-land training back in the U.S. as he prepares for five qualifying competitions that kick off in December. His schedule begins with an event in China, followed by the U.S. Grand Prix at Copper Mountain in Colorado. After a short break for the holidays, he’ll head to Calgary, then Aspen in Colorado, and wrap up his qualifying run in Switzerland.
If he makes the team, Vito will compete at the Livigno Snow Park in the Rhaetian Alps from February 11–13, representing Italy on one of snowboarding’s biggest stages.
