MMA Graduate, Ryan Cochran-Siegle, Wins Olympic Silver

We are incredibly proud to share that Ryan Cochran-Siegle, who grew up in Richmond, VT, and began his skiing journey at Cochran’s Ski Area before continuing at Mt. Mansfield Academy (MMA), has just won the silver medal in the men’s Super-G at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy.

We had the pleasure of watching Ryan develop as an athlete, student, and person from his first year at MMA through his graduation in 2010. Throughout his high school years, Ryan quickly evolved from a strong skier with a great feel for his skis into the world-class athlete we all watched today at the Winter Games.

MMA Executive Director Igor Vanovac recalls the moment it became clear Ryan was on a path to the world stage - when he took two consecutive victories on his home hill at Stowe (Main Street Race Trail) during an end-of-season FIS Eastern Cup Series. “He was so smooth, confident, and calm. In those two days, he went from a strong FIS athlete to one who was clearly headed to the U.S. Ski Team based on those results.”

Since progressing to the U.S. Ski Team and competing on the world stage at both World Championships and the Olympics, Ryan has always remained engaged and passionate about sharing his journey with MMA. When he returns to Stowe, he spends time with youth at both Mt. Mansfield Academy and Rugged Adventures Camp - sharing stories, answering questions, and even playing games with the kids whenever he can. He always exudes joy, passion, and inspiration for sport - even bringing his 2022 Olympic silver medal for the kids to see and wear.

As the MMA and Stowe community woke early this morning to watch Ryan compete, there was a calm excitement - much like Ryans temperament. Micheline Lemay, Director of Junior Programs and Student Wellness, remarked, “It was an absolute joy watching Ryan in his element today. He was so confident, composed, and in charge of his run.” Once it became clear his position would stand, the news quickly became the greeting of the day - at school, on the mountain, and even in the parking lot: “Did you see Ryan?”

 

Lorant Gudasz and Colin Moffatt, both current MMA U16 coaches, tuned in with their athletes from Sugarloaf, Maine, where they have been training and racing Super-G and Giant Slalom as part of a U.S. Ski Team Regional Project. Gudasz and Moffatt, who both coached Ryan during his youth, explained to their athletes this morning that “Ryan was in this exact position as a U16 athlete, beginning to develop his skills in speed events across the region.” For Gudasz, a pillar of youth development at MMA, it is further validation of the grassroots pathway: “We have kids following in his footsteps today, progressing along the same development pathway Ryan was on fifteen years ago.” Gudasz concluded, “I am just so excited for him.”

Ryan’s performance today is a testament to his passion, grit, and the strong foundation he built right here in our community. “Let’s celebrate Ryan’s incredible accomplishment,” said Igor Vanovac, pacing around the clubhouse with unbound excitement. “Today is an incredible moment for our entire community. We couldn’t be prouder.”