O’Brien, like many others, did most of her early career training at Palisades Tahoe. Other Sierra-based athletes include Tahoe City resident and three-time Olympian Bryce Bennett, who will be competing in speed events as a new dad, and two-time Olympians and close friends Keely Cashman, from Strawberry, and AJ Hurt, from Carnelian Bay.

The San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) have announced official Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 watch party events at venues throughout the Bay Area, giving fans the chance to come together and cheer on local Olympians with ties to the Sharks organization in international competition.

Follow NBC News live updates for the latest on the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, where hockey and snowboarding events will open ahead of the opening ceremony.