Annika Belshaw Biography: Age, Ski Jumping Career, Olympics 2026 & Family Legacy
Annika Belshaw is an American ski jumper who has emerged as one of the most promising talents in U.S. women’s ski jumping history. Born and raised in Steamboat Springs, Colorado—the heart of American ski jumping—she has risen through the ranks from a young enthusiast to an Olympian, making history alongside her younger brother as part of the first brother-sister duo from Steamboat Springs to represent Team USA in ski jumping at the same Olympic Games. Her recent performance at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, including a controversial disqualification that made international headlines, has cemented her status as a rising star in the sport.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Annika Belshaw |
| Nick Name | Annika |
| Profession | Professional Ski Jumper |
| Birth Date | June 13, 2002 |
| Age | 23 years 8 months old |
| Birth Place | Steamboat Springs, Colorado, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | 2026 Winter Olympian, 4× U.S. National Champion, First American woman in top 10 since 2016-17 |
| Ethnicity | White/Caucasian |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Height | 4 feet 11 inches (1.50 m / 150 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 100 lbs (45 kg) |
| Hair Color | Brown/Blonde |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Education | Steamboat Springs High School; University of Utah (current student) |
| Home Club | Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club (SSWSC) |
| Years Active | 2011–Present |
| Olympic Experience | 2026 Milan-Cortina (1× Olympian) |
| Siblings | Erik Belshaw (younger brother, also Olympic ski jumper) |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Residence | Steamboat Springs, Colorado / Salt Lake City, Utah (college) |
| Team | USA Ski Jumping |
| Specialty | Women’s Ski Jumping, Nordic Combined |
| FIS Code | 7801 |
Early Life & Education
Annika Belshaw was born on June 13, 2002, in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, a mountain town renowned as the cradle of American ski jumping . Her introduction to winter sports came at age three when she first experienced skiing, immediately captivated by the adrenaline rush and freedom the sport provided .
Growing up in Steamboat Springs, Belshaw was surrounded by ski jumping culture. The town has produced more Olympic ski jumpers than any other U.S. city, and the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club (SSWSC) has been training champions since 1914. At age nine, inspired by her younger brother Erik’s interest in ski jumping, Annika took her first jump at SSWSC, discovering the discipline that would define her athletic career .
What began as sibling bonding evolved into a lifelong passion, with both Belshaw children eventually representing the United States on the international stage. Annika attended Steamboat Springs High School while training at SSWSC, balancing academics with rigorous athletic development .
Currently, Belshaw is a student at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, where she balances her academic pursuits with full-time international competition . The proximity of Salt Lake City to world-class training facilities has allowed her to maintain her competitive edge while pursuing higher education.
Career Journey
Junior Career & Youth Olympics (2017–2020)
Belshaw’s competitive journey progressed through the junior ranks, where she honed her technique on the club’s jumping hills. Her breakthrough on the international stage came at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympics in Lausanne, Switzerland, where she represented the United States in both ski jumping and Nordic combined . She finished 21st in the individual normal hill event, gaining valuable Olympic-style experience at age 17.
Rise to Senior Competition (2021–2022)
The 2021–22 season marked Belshaw’s emergence as a senior competitor to watch. During the FIS Ski Jumping Continental Cup, she earned her first career Continental Cup victory at Lake Placid, tying for gold with Austria’s Katharina Ellmauer . She recorded seven top-10 finishes overall, finishing fourth in the final Continental Cup standings—the best U.S. finish since Sarah Hendrickson finished second in 2015 .
This breakthrough performance earned her selection to the 2021 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships team and, subsequently, U.S. Ski and Snowboard’s 2022 Ski Jumping Athlete of the Year award .
World Cup Breakthrough (2022–2024)
The 2022–23 season established Belshaw as the most consistent American woman on the World Cup circuit. She scored individual World Cup points nine times and recorded a career-best 19th-place finish in Rasnov, Romania . At the 2023 FIS Nordic World Championships in Planica, Slovenia, she achieved personal bests in both individual events, finishing 31st on the HS100 and 32nd on the HS138 .
Domestically, Belshaw continued her dominance, capturing her fourth consecutive U.S. National Championship title in 2023 . Her success helped elevate the profile of American women’s ski jumping during a period of rebuilding for the program.
Historic 2024–25 Season
The 2024–25 season represented a watershed moment for Belshaw and American women’s ski jumping. She delivered 14 top-30 finishes and ranked 29th in the World Cup overall standings—the highest placement for an American woman in years .
The highlight came in February 2025 at the historic Lake Placid World Cup—the first time women competed in a World Cup on American soil. Belshaw achieved a career-best 14th-place finish on the second day of competition, becoming the first U.S. woman to crack the top 15 since the 2016-17 season .
Later that season in Ljubno, Slovenia, she improved even further, securing seventh place to become the first American woman to finish in the top 10 since the 2016-17 season . These results helped the U.S. mixed team—featuring Belshaw alongside teammates Tate Frantz, Kevin Bickner, and Josie Johnson—secure a fifth-place finish at Lake Placid, America’s best result in the mixed team event since 2012 .
At the 2025 FIS Nordic World Championships in Trondheim, Norway, Belshaw achieved her best world championship results to date: 6th in mixed team large hill, 7th in women’s team normal hill, 18th in individual normal hill, and 26th in individual large hill .
2026 Winter Olympics & Disqualification Controversy
Named to the U.S. roster for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Belshaw achieved the milestone of becoming an Olympian while maintaining her domestic dominance. Her younger brother Erik also earned a spot on the Olympic team, making the Belshaw siblings the first brother-sister duo from Steamboat Springs to represent Team USA in ski jumping at the same Olympics .
Normal Hill Competition (February 7, 2026): Belshaw competed in the women’s individual normal hill event, finishing in 21st place with a total score of 190.9 points . She also participated in the mixed team normal hill event, where Team USA finished 7th .
Large Hill Disqualification (February 15, 2026): Belshaw’s Olympic experience took a dramatic turn in the women’s large hill individual competition. After qualifying for the final round with a jump of 119 meters (98.5 points), she was disqualified when officials determined her skis exceeded the maximum permitted length by approximately one centimeter—less than half an inch .
The disqualification sparked international headlines and debate about ski jumping’s complex equipment regulations. Ski length is determined by a formula based on athlete height and BMI (body mass index), with maximum length set at 145% of height for athletes meeting minimum BMI requirements . Belshaw’s skis were determined to be slightly too long based on her measurements.
“It ended up being a fairly moot point in the grand scheme of things, as Belshaw wouldn’t have made the podium even if her scores had stood,” noted one report, as Norway’s Anna Odine Strøm won gold with 284.8 points—nearly 100 points ahead of Belshaw’s disqualified score . Nevertheless, the disqualification highlighted the razor-thin margins and strict regulations governing Olympic ski jumping equipment.
Personal Life
Family & Siblings
Annika Belshaw comes from a tight-knit ski jumping family. Her younger brother, Erik Belshaw, is also a member of the U.S. Men’s Ski Jumping Team and competed alongside her at the 2026 Winter Olympics . The siblings trained together at Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club and have pushed each other to international success.
Their shared Olympic experience in 2026 made history as the first brother-sister duo from Steamboat Springs to represent Team USA in ski jumping at the same Games . This achievement underscores the unique ski jumping culture of Steamboat Springs, which has produced dozens of Olympians over the decades.
Education & Balance
Belshaw has demonstrated remarkable dedication to balancing elite athletics with education. After graduating from Steamboat Springs High School, she enrolled at the University of Utah, where she continues her studies while competing internationally . The university’s proximity to Utah Olympic Park—site of the 2002 Winter Olympics ski jumping venue—provides ideal training conditions.
Her ability to maintain academic progress while traveling extensively to World Cup venues across Europe showcases the time management skills required of modern student-athletes.
Career Statistics & Achievements
Olympic Results
| Year | Games | Event | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Milan-Cortina | Individual Normal Hill | 21st | First Olympic appearance |
| 2026 | Milan-Cortina | Mixed Team Normal Hill | 7th | Team USA result |
| 2026 | Milan-Cortina | Individual Large Hill | DSQ | Disqualified—ski length violation |
World Championship Results
| Year | Location | Event | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Oberstdorf, Germany | Individual Large Hill | 37th |
| 2021 | Oberstdorf, Germany | Individual Normal Hill | 32nd |
| 2023 | Planica, Slovenia | Individual HS100 | 31st |
| 2023 | Planica, Slovenia | Individual HS138 | 32nd |
| 2025 | Trondheim, Norway | Individual Normal Hill | 18th |
| 2025 | Trondheim, Norway | Individual Large Hill | 26th |
| 2025 | Trondheim, Norway | Team Normal Hill (Women) | 7th |
| 2025 | Trondheim, Norway | Mixed Team Large Hill | 6th |
World Cup Career Highlights
- Best Individual Finish: 7th place (Ljubno, Slovenia, 2024-25 season)
- Best U.S. Women’s Result Since: 2016-17 season (7th place, Ljubno 2025)
- First U.S. Woman in Top 15 Since: 2016-17 season (14th place, Lake Placid 2025)
- 2024-25 World Cup Overall Ranking: 29th (highest American woman in years)
- Career Top-30 Finishes: 14 (2024-25 season alone)
Domestic Championships
- U.S. National Champion: 4× consecutive titles (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
- 2021-22 Continental Cup: 1st place (Lake Placid, tied with Katharina Ellmauer)
- 2021-22 Continental Cup Overall: 4th place (best U.S. finish since 2015)
Awards & Honors
- U.S. Ski and Snowboard Ski Jumping Athlete of the Year (2022)
- First American woman to finish in World Cup top 10 since 2016-17 (Ljubno 2025)
- Member of first brother-sister duo from Steamboat Springs to compete at same Olympics (2026)
Physical Statistics
| Measurement | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 4 feet 11 inches (1.50 m / 150 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 100 lbs (45 kg) |
| Build | Compact, athletic (typical ski jumper physique) |
| Hair Color | Brown/Blonde |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Distinctive Features | Small stature optimized for ski jumping aerodynamics |
Belshaw’s compact frame—standing just 4’11″—is well-suited to ski jumping’s aerodynamic demands. Her height allows her to use shorter skis while maintaining optimal lift-to-weight ratios, though the 2026 Olympic disqualification highlighted the precise calculations required for equipment compliance.
Quotes
While specific quotes from Belshaw are limited in public sources, her career trajectory speaks to her dedication:
“Annika Belshaw’s path in ski jumping began at age 3 when she first experienced the rush of skiing in her hometown of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. She was immediately captivated by the adrenaline and freedom the sport provided.” — U.S. Ski & Snowboard biography
“At age 9, inspired by her younger brother Erik’s interest in ski jumping, she took her first jump at the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, discovering a discipline that would define her athletic career.” — Team USA profile
Favorites
- Hometown: Steamboat Springs, Colorado (self-proclaimed “Ski Town USA”)
- Home Club: Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club (SSWSC)
- Training Venue: Utah Olympic Park, Salt Lake City
- University: University of Utah
- Ski Jumping Discipline: Normal hill (specialty)
- Additional Sport: Nordic combined (competed in Youth Olympics)
- Other Interests: Soccer (enjoys playing)
Earnings & Net Worth
As an Olympic athlete in a niche winter sport, Belshaw’s earnings come primarily from:
- US Ski & Snowboard funding: Athlete support stipends based on performance rankings
- World Cup prize money: Modest payouts for top-30 finishes (typically €500–€5,000 per event)
- Sponsorships: Equipment deals with ski manufacturers and winter sports brands
- College scholarship: University of Utah academic/athletic support
While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, elite American ski jumpers typically earn between $50,000–$150,000 annually in combined support, prize money, and endorsements. Belshaw’s rising profile and Olympic participation likely place her in the upper range for U.S. ski jumping.
Interesting Facts
- Belshaw is one of the shortest elite ski jumpers on the World Cup circuit at 4’11” (150 cm), making her equipment compliance particularly sensitive to weight fluctuations
- She and her brother Erik made history as the first brother-sister duo from Steamboat Springs to compete at the same Olympics
- Steamboat Springs has produced more Olympic ski jumpers (over 100) than any other U.S. city
- Belshaw competed in both ski jumping and Nordic combined at the 2020 Youth Olympics, showcasing versatility rare among specialists
- Her disqualification at the 2026 Olympics came down to approximately one centimeter—less than the width of a fingernail
- She is the most successful American women’s ski jumper since Sarah Hendrickson’s injury-plagued career, carrying U.S. hopes in a sport dominated by European athletes
- Belshaw has represented the U.S. at three World Championships (2021, 2023, 2025) before her Olympic debut
Did You Know?
- Women’s ski jumping was not included in the Olympics until the 2014 Sochi Games, making Belshaw part of just the fourth generation of Olympic women ski jumpers
- The 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics featured the first-ever women’s large hill individual competition, where Belshaw was disqualified
- Ski jumping equipment regulations are so precise that athletes can be disqualified for skis just 1 cm too long, as happened to Belshaw
- Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, where Belshaw trained, has produced Olympic athletes since 1932
- Belshaw’s 7th-place finish in Ljubno, Slovenia (2025) was the first top-10 for an American woman since the 2016-17 season, ending a nearly decade-long drought
Social Media Links
- Team USA: teamusa.com/profiles/annika-belshaw
- FIS Profile: fis-ski.com
- Olympics.com: olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026/results/athlete-details/25246
- USA Ski Jumping: usaskijumping.com/athlete/annika-belshaw
- IMDb: imdb.com/name/nm18196265 (for Olympic appearances)
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Annika Belshaw?
Annika Belshaw was born on June 13, 2002, making her 23 years old as of 2026 .
What happened to Annika Belshaw at the 2026 Olympics?
Belshaw competed in two events at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. She finished 21st in the individual normal hill and helped Team USA to 7th place in the mixed team event. In the individual large hill competition, she was disqualified after qualifying for the final round when officials determined her skis exceeded the maximum permitted length by approximately one centimeter .
Who is Annika Belshaw’s brother?
Annika’s younger brother is Erik Belshaw, also an elite ski jumper who competed alongside her at the 2026 Winter Olympics. They made history as the first brother-sister duo from Steamboat Springs to represent Team USA in ski jumping at the same Olympic Games .
Where is Annika Belshaw from?
Annika Belshaw is from Steamboat Springs, Colorado, a mountain town renowned as the epicenter of American ski jumping. She grew up training at the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club .
How tall is Annika Belshaw?
Annika Belshaw is 4 feet 11 inches (1.50 meters / 150 cm) tall, making her one of the shorter elite ski jumpers on the World Cup circuit .
What is Annika Belshaw’s best World Cup finish?
Belshaw’s best individual World Cup finish is 7th place, achieved in Ljubno, Slovenia during the 2024-25 season. This was the first top-10 finish for an American woman since the 2016-17 season .
Is Annika Belshaw still competing?
Yes, as of February 2026, Annika Belshaw remains an active competitor on the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup circuit and is expected to continue representing the United States in international competition .
Conclusion
Annika Belshaw’s journey from a nine-year-old girl inspired by her younger brother to an Olympian representing the United States on the world’s biggest stage embodies the spirit of American ski jumping. Her rise through the ranks—from Youth Olympics competitor to four-time national champion to World Cup top-10 finisher—has reinvigorated U.S. women’s ski jumping during a challenging period for the program.
While her 2026 Olympic experience ended in disappointment with the large hill disqualification, her 21st-place finish in the normal hill and her role in the mixed team event demonstrated that American women can compete at the highest level. The disqualification itself, however painful, highlighted the precision required in elite ski jumping and sparked conversations about equipment regulations.
Perhaps most significantly, Belshaw’s Olympic appearance alongside her brother Erik celebrated the unique ski jumping culture of Steamboat Springs, which has produced champion jumpers for nearly a century. As she continues her career while balancing studies at the University of Utah, Belshaw represents the next generation of American ski jumping—compact in stature but limitless in determination.
With her best competitive years still ahead and the 2030 Winter Olympics on the horizon, Annika Belshaw has established herself as the standard-bearer for U.S. women’s ski jumping. Her story is far from over, and the ski jumping world will be watching to see how high she can fly.
Did you enjoy learning about Annika Belshaw’s Olympic journey? Share this article with winter sports enthusiasts and follow her progress on the World Cup circuit as she continues representing American ski jumping!
